Drop the puck

After what felt like a ridiculously long summer, it's finally time to start the season. And for the Philadelphia Flyers, who will now be entering their 43rd year of business, this looks like the run to the Stanley Cup final that we've been waiting for. It's not like they don't have the talent. The offense pretty much returns intact with the exceptions of Mike Knuble (Washington) and Joffrey Lupul (Anaheim). Knuble will be missed the most, though I think Claude Giroux and a healthy Danny Briere can more than make up the scoring. Defensively, this team may be deeper than ever, and adding a certifiable skating axe-murderer in Chris Pronger can only help. And count me in a one of the few who thinks that Ray Emery will be alright in goal. I know he had his discipline problems in Ottawa (what else is there to do in Ottawa except get in trouble?), but this is a new organization and city he's in now. And trust me, if he starts to act up in Philly, Paul Holmgren won't cut him slack. Just cut him.

In an attempt to not just recite what every other hockey writer and blogger have already written (apparently I'm the only one with a full-time job these days and therefore can't devote my days to writing about the best sport in the world while drinking Dunkin' Donuts coffee and playing NHL '10 and...what was I saying?) and I'll just give you my own quick season predictions:

East

1. Washington Capitals

2. Boston Bruins

3. Philadelphia Flyers

4. Pittsburgh Penguins

5. Carolina Hurricanes

6. New Jersey Devils

7. Toronto Maple Leafs

8. New York Rangers

West

1. San Jose Sharks

2. Vancouver Canucks

3. Chicago Blackhawks

4. Detroit Red Wings

5. Anaheim Ducks

6. Calgary Flames

7. St. Louis Blues

8. Dallas Stars

There ya go. Before I go, thank you very much to DirecTV for extending the free NHL Center Ice preview until October 24. That'll save me some cash.

Carolina up next.