Interesting pre-season tidbit

If you look back at last year’s pre-season standings, the exhibition schedule isn’t necessarily meaningless (for lack of a better word). Yes, young players make their cases for being on the roster, but there’s more to it.

08/09 Preseason, top 5 in each conference…
East: Montreal, Washington, New Jersey, Philadelphia, NY Islanders
West: Detroit, Vancouver, Anaheim, Chicago, Calgary
*9 of those 10 teams made the playoffs

08/09 Preseason, bottom 6 overall…
NY Rangers, Atlanta, Dallas, Nashville, Phoenix, Buffalo
*1 of those 6 made the playoffs

Out of all 4 major sports, the NHL probably has the most important (and best) pre-season. It doesn’t drag out like baseball and football. And on a nightly basis, you’re going to see a good chunk of your team’s regular lineup for the whole game. Unlike the NFL, where in most cases, teams don’t play their starters past the 1st quarter. Just thought that I’d share that…
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Most impressive team in the pre-season… Vancouver
They played more games than most, but they showed a lot of balance through out the lineup, and won close games.

Least impressive team in the pre-season… Chicago
I know they only played in a handful of games, but Huet was less than impressive, and the regulars played in 3 of the 4. It doesn’t help that they lost to Zurich last night.

Most important thing I saw... Montreal
One of the biggest question marks heading into this season was whether the Habs' overhaul would work or not. Gomez, Gionta, and Cammalleri seemed to be on the same page when I watched them play.