Instating a salary cap in the NHL was supposed to yield parity in the league. It has seemed to help, but there's one peculiar trend: one conference is completely overshadowing the other.
The leaders of the Western Conference look impressive, while the East is...decidedly not.
Several teams in the West have gotten off to blazing starts, particularly in the Pacific Division, where goaltending has been the name of the game for Anaheim, San Jose and Dallas. In Anaheim, Ilya Bryzgalov and Jean-Sebastian Giguere have helped their team compile an undefeated record in regulation, with all three of their losses coming in shootouts. Marty Turco has taken his usual stance as a tremendous regular-season stopper between the pipes for Dallas.
The most interesting goaltending situation lies with San Jose, who has yet to designate a number one starter, as choosing between Russian star Evgeni Nabokov and Finnish star Vesa Toskala (unbeaten in his last 13) has turned into a tough decision. But if this situation erupts, it could spell problems for the youngest team in the NHL.
Outside the Pacific Division, Minnesota and Nashville have emerged as early performers. Minnesota is a state that loves its hockey, and its young franchise is coming into its own. With star winger Marion Gaborik out at least another week with a groin injury, however, the team must find ways to win without him.
In Nashville, the return of goalie Thomas Vokun from a serious blood clot late last season has propelled them on an early season run. Playing in the depth-lacking Central Division, Nashville is a front-runner to grab home-ice in the spring.
The wealth of talent in the West has led fans to wonder which team will ultimately emerge at the top. The preseason favorite among experts was Anaheim, and it certainly hasn't disappointed. But with more games being played between divisional opponents, Dallas and San Jose could prove to be big obstacles to the Ducks securing the top spot in the West. That leaves the door open for less talented teams in easier divisions, like Minnesota, if it can stay healthy.
Aside from Buffalo and the surprising Atlanta Thrashers, the powers of the Eastern Conference seem to be having a contest in mediocrity. Buffalo's combination of speed, depth, and terrific goaltending has it off to a 10-0-1 start. Ottawa, which was supposed to be Buffalo's nemesis in the Northeast Division, is missing the high-powered offense that earned it the division title last year.
The Southeast division, which features the two previous Stanley Cup winners in Carolina and Tampa Bay, has been surprisingly disappointing. Atlanta has separated itself from the pack with the strong play of forward Marion Hossa and goalie Kari Lehtonen. If sniper Ilya Kovalchuk can find his groove, this team may be an added center away from making a serious run in the playoffs.
As surprising as the Thrashers' hot start is, the poor play of Carolina might be even more shocking. After signing Stanley Cup MVP Cam Ward to a multi-year contract, 45 goals against in 12 games is a tough statistic to swallow. Ward can't be expected to shoulder all of the blame, as the Canes' special teams have been anemic.
With so many questionable performances so far, does this make the East easier or harder to predict? Buffalo is no fluke, and it should remain atop the standings.
The apparent parity of average play might pave the way for others, however. In this light, watch Montreal and Pittsburgh. Both teams have exciting young players and are excelling on special teams. Even if the results don't follow, Pittsburgh will showcase what might be the most exciting combination of young stars ever assembled, with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal. If the league can't find a way to market young guns like these, they should rethink their strategies - again.
