http://assets.espn.go.com/i/tvlistings/tv_espn_original.gif en-us 10 ESPN Inc. http://espn.go.com/ Copyright 2010 ESPN Inc. After losing their top goalie to Philadelphia, the Phoenix Coyotes look woefully short inside the crease, which could mean missing the playoffs in 2011-12.]]> October 02, 2011 13:31:03 PDT The reunion of Mike Richards and Simon Gagne could produce fireworks for the Kings on their road to the playoffs in 2011-12.]]> October 02, 2011 13:12:30 PDT The Dallas Stars lost a lot with Brad Richards, but opponents know this scrappy bunch will play hard for three solid periods. Still, that's likely not enough to make the playoffs in 2011-12.]]> October 02, 2011 11:49:19 PDT The Anaheim Ducks are always in the hunt with MVP Corey Perry, and if they improve on the defensive side of the ice, they could make the playoffs in 2011-12.]]> October 02, 2011 12:39:08 PDT Instead of helping his club, general manager Doug Wilson's makeover might have hurt the Sharks more than improving them. Regardless, they appear playoff-bound in 2011-12.]]> October 02, 2011 12:54:49 PDT The Vancouver Canucks project to be one of the top teams in the league this year and should have no trouble returning to the playoffs and making a run at the Stanley Cup finals for a second consecutive season.]]> September 29, 2011 09:28:59 PDT The Calgary Flames face questions regarding age and depth, but they finished second in the division last season and should be playoff contenders in 2011-12.]]> September 29, 2011 08:02:33 PDT The Edmonton Oilers are projected to be at the bottom of the NHL, but with some more young talent around Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Edmonton could be formidable soon.]]> September 29, 2011 08:53:16 PDT The Columbus Blue Jackets made big noise this offseason, adding Jeff Carter and James Wisniewski to put some top-tier talent around Rick Nash. We project the Jackets to finish 10th in the West in 2011-12, but they now have the talent for a playoff run.]]> September 28, 2011 10:33:42 PDT The Minnesota Wild traded Brent Burns this offseason, a sign that they are still looking toward the future. And given their poor projections, that rebuilding model may be a smart one to follow.]]> September 29, 2011 09:07:58 PDT The Chicago Blackhawks couldn't defend their Cup last season, but they bring back another loaded roster in 2011-12, headlined by Jonathan Toews. Our projections have Chicago as the best team in the Western Conference.]]> September 28, 2011 08:21:24 PDT The St. Louis Blues battled injuries last season after getting off to a good start, and now the core is back and healthy. The additions of Jamie Langenbrunner and Jason Arnott should make St. Louis one of the West's eight best teams in 2011-12.]]> September 29, 2011 01:52:34 PDT The Colorado Avalanche addressed their biggest issue this offseason by adding two new goalies. That may not be enough to contend in 2011-12, but the franchise should be improved.]]> September 29, 2011 08:33:57 PDT The Tampa Bay Lightning are just outside the East's top eight in our projections but have more than enough talent to make the playoffs in 2011-12 if goalie Dwayne Roloson can maintain his high quality of play.]]> September 27, 2011 09:53:03 PDT The beat goes on for the Detroit Red Wings despite an aging crop of players led by Nicklas Lidstrom. Detroit projects to be a top-10 team in the NHL this season and should have a chance to make a run at the Cup.]]> September 28, 2011 11:05:12 PDT