2017-18 nhl season preview

It has been 35 years since the New York Islanders three-peated as Stanley Cup champions. Can the Penguins accomplish what few teams in league history have done?

Led by Connor McDavid, the Oilers returned to the post-season with a bang. But that comes with a new set of expectations for Edmonton to deliver upon.

Jonathan Drouin and Ben Bishop are gone, but Steven Stamkos is back and Mikhail Sergachev has come aboard and the Lightning look to be in position to contend for a second Stanley Cup.

The Anaheim Ducks are riding a streak of six-straight division titles. Will they reign supreme in the Pacific and make it six-straight this season?

The Stars made the biggest collective splash of any team in the off-season and now Dallas has their sights set on a return to the playoffs and much, much more.

Flashy young stars and a return to the post-season have created high hopes in Toronto. Now it's up to the Maple Leafs to live up to their promise.

The salary cap forced Washington to thin out its stellar roster, but the high end skill at every position should be able to keep the Capitals in the thick of things in the Metro.

The Flames had trouble in goal again, but they're hoping a beefed up blueline and the addition of Mike Smith can solve those problems and guide Calgary to a second-straight playoff berth.

Columbus' 16-game win streak put the league on notice last season, but the Blue Jackets won't catch any opponents sleeping this time around.

The Blackhawks are looking to bounce back from last season's playoff disappointment, but the cap crunch and roster changes will make topping the Central again much more difficult.

The expansion draft necessitated changes on the Wild blueline, but Minnesota used that as an opportunity to add up front with hopes the adjustments can get back and hold on to top spot in the Central.

The Rangers' signing of Kevin Shattenkirk was one of the summer's biggest splashes and followed it up with some roster shuffling. New York's hope is that a busy off-season allows them to keep their window open.

The Canadiens are coming off of their second division title in three seasons, but the lineup has thinned out across the board and it could make it tough for Montreal to hang with the Atlantic Division's finest.

St. Louis added to their offensive depth with the acquisition of Brayden Schenn, but nothing is going to come easy for the Blues in an incredibly difficult Central Division.

Hurricanes GM Ron Francis wheeled and dealed to net a starting goaltender and add depth to his offense and defense, and now Carolina looks prepared to fight for a playoff spot.

The Sharks had a quiet off-season, avoiding any major signings and choosing instead to attack a new year with largely the same roster. The aging squad is going to have to fight for every point in a tough Pacific Division.

The Bruins' biggest splash this summer has been the re-signing of David Pastrnak, and it could be a tough climb back into the post-season without any additions.

A surprising trip to the Eastern Conference final last season won't allow the Senators to fly under the radar this season.

The biggest chances came off ice, where coach Darryl Sutter and GM Dean Lombardi were replaced by John Stevens and Rob Blake. With a refreshed front office, the Kings are looking to get back to their winning ways.

The draft lottery balls fell in the Flyers' favor, landing them center Nolan Patrick. Does that bode well for Philadelphia's fortunes this coming season?

The Jets are looking to take the long-awaited step forward and become a playoff team, but that's going to be tough to accomplish in the star-studded Central Division.

A tumultuous season on and off the ice saw the Panthers fall back out of the playoff picture. Changes have been made in the front office, behind the bench and on the ice, and it could mean a trip back to the post-season.

Few teams were as busy as Arizona this off-season, but that doesn't necessarily mean a giant step forward is coming. The Coyotes should start heading in the right direction this year, though.