2006 NHL Hockey Preview

2006 NHL Preview from Maddux Sports. With the NHL Hockey Season now is the time to get aquatinted with the 2006 teams and players. Remember if you are NHL hockey betting look no further, as we offer hockey picks and can help you turn a profit betting on the NHL this season.

2006 NHL Season Preview

Last year the NHL went back to the future by shrinking goalie equipment, getting rid of the 2 line pass and restricting play by the defense. These and other rule changes resulted in a faster, higher scoring and more exciting game. The 2005-06 season also saw an influx of highly talented rookie goalies, an unrivaled free agent market and some of the best Stanley Cup play in recent memory as the Carolina Hurricanes won it all in seven games.

With the 2006-07 NHL season just a few weeks away, Maddux Sports presents its free professional hockey preview, which includes a look at how each team faired last season, a consideration of important players and an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each club. Sports fans, bettors and hockey buffs all have the opportunity to better understand each team's chances for winning, making the playoffs and capturing the Cup.

This year, top teams to watch in the East include the New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres, Ottawa Senators and Carolina Hurricanes. Any of these clubs could end up in the Stanley Cup finals. In the West, look for the Nashville Predators to continue their ascension and the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks to dominate. The Calgary Flames look hot, while the Detroit Redwings, still a contender, certainly aren’t flying as high as they have in the past.

Promising prospects include Atlanta, Philadelphia and Montreal in the East and Columbus, Dallas and Minnesota in the West. The Islanders, Blues, Capitals and Blackhawks look no better than they have over the past few years.

To get the rundown on each club and answers to specific questions, including can Edmonton find the magic again, will Joe Thornton dominate like he did in 2005-06 and will the youth movement in Pittsburgh yield positive results—check out our division summaries and team analysis.

It's a tough 82-game season that wears down players and taxes coaches while taking fans on a rollercoaster ride. Take advantage of our free preview to prepare for the excitement ahead, to understand key strengths of each club and to see in which areas teams are most vulnerable.

See you at the arena and the betting window!

Follow the links below to find info on your selected team.