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Marian Hossa, Radek Bonk and the Ottawa Senators erased years of playoff frustration in 2003, falling just one game short of the Finals. With their major players back, can they end Canada's decade-long Stanley Cup drought?
C A N A D I A N T E A M P R E V I E W S
Montreal Canadiens
With little in the way of offensive reinforcements, Habs goalie Jose Theodore will be under the gun to perform brilliantly again.
Ottawa Senators
Last year's successful team remains intact and should be primed for another deep playoff run.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto returns a solid team, but blue line concerns continue to worry the Maple Leaf nation.
Edmonton Oilers
Mike Comrie's holdout may not be the only obstacle for Edmonton's offence this year.
Calgary Flames
The Flames' defensive corps is improving, but scoring and goaltending consistency remain big question marks.
Vancouver Canucks
Expectations remain high, especially with the addition of a solid No. 2 goaltender.
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W H A T T O W A T C H F O R T H I S S E A S O N
Labour storm shadows season
All signs point to a strike or lockout next season.
Here's how owners and players are preparing a clash over the next
labour contract.
New season filled with interesting storylines
The NHL rarely has a shortage of intriguing storylines.
This year is no exception. CBC Sports power list
From the No. 1 Avalanche right down to Mario's
Penguins, CBC Sports Online projects the 2003-04 fortunes of all
30 NHL clubs.
Good things happen when you've played in the big leagues for 25 years, just ask this Rangers captain.
The newest dynamic duo in Denver
Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne have reunited in Colorado and will help charge an already high-powered offence.
League pares down goalie pads
Some goaltenders might be feeling a draft in the five hole as the league tries to regulate the size of of goaltending equipment.
F A N T A S Y P L A Y E R P R E V I E W
Top performers
A position-by-position list of players worthy of anchoring any fantasy hockey team.
Super sleepers
These could be the guys every fantasy team owner will claim to have known about all along. And they'll also boast about having been at all three Woodstocks.
Dark horses and breakthrough players
Some of these players are bound to have breakout seasons, and you can ride them to the top of the standings.
On the rise & on the decline
The players who are charting with a bullet, and those who have taken too many.
Calder Cup candidates
Need some fresh meat to add to your fantasy stew? Check out these possible rookie-of-the-year candidates.
Top goons &
goal-getters
If your fantasy pool emphasizes penalty minutes and goal scoring -- as opposed to points -- take a look at these enforcers and snipers.
All Underrated/Overrated Teams
Who's overlooked and who's overhyped.
Buyer
beware
Some popular players are nonetheless risky picks this year.
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