NHL drops the puck on the 2007-2008 season

For many Americans, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. For hockey fans across North America Christmas is upon us. Today marks the official opener of the NHL's 2007-2008 regular season campaign as the Los Angeles Kings face-off against state rivals and defending Stanley Cup Champions Anaheim Ducks. The two game series will not be played in the Golden State but across the pond in London, England. The mini series is to be played at the 02 Arena which is heralded as Europe's most state-of-the art venue and will also mark the first time a NHL regular-season game is played in Europe.
The defending champs enter the 07-08 campaign without arguably their two most important players from the cup run in Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne. Niedermayer who captained the team since his arrival from the New Jersey Devils has supposedly gone into retirement but has the option to return. If he chooses to lace up for one more season he will find the captain's C on line mate Chris Pronger's jersey as it was announced yesterday that Pronger will take over that roll for the Ducks regardless if Niedermayer returns. It is unclear whether Selanne has retired or is still entertaining offers from other teams since he is a free agent. The Finnish Flash, who tied for most points in the playoffs among the Ducks, had not shown up to training camp and his status remains unclear. With the addition of Mathieu Schneider and Todd Bertuzzi the Ducks should have no problem in reaching the playoffs and defending their cup.
Unlike their division rivals, The Los Angeles Kings finished last season with the third worst record in the league leaving many fans wondering what happened to the team that at least contended with the teams in the early 2000's. During the summer General Manager Dean Lombardi opened his checkbook and brought in forwards Michal Handzus and Ladislav Nagy along with defensemen Tom Preissing and Brad Stuart. He also resigned top defensemen Lubomir Vishnovsky to a 5-year deal worth $28.5 million. The Kings look to compete for a playoff berth, something they haven’t accomplished since 2002. The only question mark that remains is what will the goalie situation be like with Dan Clouiter being placed on waivers and having their top goalie in Jean-Sebastien Aubin having his first starting job after eight seasons in the NHL.

Who will prevail in the opening weekend of the NHL's regular season? Only time will tell.

As the new season opens be sure to check back for constant NHL updates along with news from the NFL, MLB, and NBA