2005 NHL Season Preview

Welcome to the 2005 NHL Season Preview page. At the time of publish the NHL Hockey Season is around the corner and what better way to remind the public how exciting the NHL can be with a 2005 season preview from Maddux Sports. Remember if you are betting on NHL hockey look no further, as we are one of the few sports handicapping services that offers NHL picks against the hockey betting lines. We are true hockey experts unlike some of the other handicappers that have recently added hockey to their repertoire to make a few extra sales, while not knowing more than your aunt ruth about picking hockey winners. If you bet hockey on 2005, stick with a winner and the best hockey handicapping team out there today, Maddux Sports. Onto the preview.

2005 NHL Preview

Hockey is back and it’s redesigned to create more scoring, faster play, and excessive excitement. There’s a new look, changed rules, and transformed teams. This is a heady time for hockey and never has the sport had such a great opportunity to solidify and expand its fan base, bring back old timers, and cultivate the next generation.

The rule changes should resuscitate, rejuvenate, and recreate the game, making it electrifying once again. For the past five years trapping and holding have become so prevalent that it seemed as if the arena crews had forgotten to lay down the ice. Additionally, like something out of a Toxic Avenger movie, the goalie gear expanded to create almost an entire new body for the net-minders. It’s a wonder with all of the defensive perks that anyone was able to score a goal!

The new NHL will be faster, more explosive, and exceedingly exhilarating. The salary cap should do for hockey what it did for football—give more teams a real chance at attaining the Holy Grail of Hockey—Lord Stanley’s Cup. The salary cap has forced teams to be much more careful about spending and it has already resulted in star players finding new homes.

Many big-time players find themselves on new teams, including Khabibulin, Leetch, Hossa, Pronger, and others. The Red Wings are still a powerhouse and the Capitals are still deficient but teams such as the Blackhawks, Oilers, and Kings are markedly improved. Chicago could be the surprise of the season; they have a chance to get to the playoffs. While Tampa Bay, after losing key players to free agency, may have been a one hit wonder.

It’s unfortunate the NHL could not salvage the 2004-05 season. However the long-range results of the lockout may far out weight any temporal disappoint and frustration felt by players, owners, and fans.

Here’s to cheap tickets, more access to players, and a general feeling of “welcome back to the best sport on ice.” It’s time to drop the puck.

For a list and explanation of the rule changes click here.

For an in depth look at the collective bargaining agreement click on the NHL CBA link.

For individual NHL team previews check out below for all 30 NHL teams.