NHL Contender or Pretender: February 2009

New Jersey Devils
The Devils are tied for second in the Eastern Conference despite being without one of the best goalies of all-time for most of the season. Martin Brodeur has been out with injury and youngster Scott Clemmensen has stepped up in a big way. Clemmensen is 25-11 with a 2.31 GAA and a .920 save %. He has been one of the best netminders this season. LW Zach Parise has developed into a superstar as well with 34 goals and 35 assists. Patrick Elias has returned to form notching 64 points a! nd doing things that don't show up on a stat sheet. The Devils are built to win this season and I expect them to win the Atlantic Division. But the question is are they a championship contender? Yes, I believe they are. Once Brodeur returns the Devils will rise to the level of the Bruins and maybe beyond. The Devils could very well be playing for the Stanley Cup come May. NJ is a contender.

Calgary Flames
In the NHL's most clustered division t! he Flames sit on top. Behind offensive powerhouse Jarome Iginl! a, Calga ry has opened up a nine point lead on Edmonton in the division. Center Michael Cammalleri has been stellar as well netting 55 points. Dion Phaneuf continues to be one of the best defenders in the game as well. Mikka Kippursoff is one of the best between the pipes and he could single-handily lead Calgary to the top. However, I do not see the offensive depth and unless Calgary makes a deadline deal I am not a believer. Calgary is a pretender.

Dallas Stars
Winners of 7 of their last 10 and arguably the hottest team in the NHL, the Stars are back. The Sean Avery saga is behind them and Dallas has no place to go but up. The Stars would currently be seeded 5th if the playoffs started today, which is considerably high from where they have been most of the season. Dallas has the talent with players like Mike Ribiero, Brad Richards, and Mike Modano on offense that can take them far in the playoffs. Goalie Marty Turco had arguably his worst season, but he has turned it all around. Dallas made it to the Western Conference Finals last season and they could easily do that again and beyond. The Stars are a contender.