Tier One Contenders:

At present, there are three teams that Hockey.Ontheweb has earmarked as "Tier One" (i.e. bona fide) Stanley Cup contenders:

St. Louis Blues: Quietly, St.Louis has become one of the elite teams in the league. The Blues are strong at every position, blessed with two centres (Turgeon and Demitra) who would be number one on most teams; one past Norris Trophy winner (MacInnis) and one future Norris Trophy winner (Pronger) on defence, and Turek showing the form he did as a capable backup last season in Dallas. All that said, Joel Quenneville has his troops playing team hockey. St. Louis, believe it or not, would be our pick to win the Cup if the playoffs began today.

Forsberg is back

New Jersey Devils: Any discussion of the New Jersey Devils begins with Martin Brodeur. He is likely the only superstar on this team, although rookie Scott Gomez has given notice that he may assume that mantle in the near future. Only Curtis Joseph approaches Brodeur's won-loss record of 26-9-5. The team's balance on offence and defence makes it difficult for opponents to key on any particular player, though the Sykora-Arnott-Elias line is red hot again this season.

The NHL's best goaltender

There is a second tier of contenders -- teams that are something short of "bona fide". These are teams that will make the playoffs and might survive into the second round. Each of these teams has question marks which, if addressed prior to the trade deadline, might elevate them to conference finalists:

Detroit Red Wings: Detroit looked unbeatable until their recent swoon. Can the Wings' depth compensate for old age? This team of veterans may already be running out of gas.
Dallas Stars: They got off to a slow start and appear to lack the desire they had last season. The second-half will tell the true story for this team.
Florida Panthers: Only two questions regarding Florida: Are they for real? Does Mike Vernon have one more playoff run left in him? Pavel Bure is the spark plug for this team but he is injury prone and will be a target at playoff time.
Ottawa Senators: Ottawa's goaltending has looked weak recently. Tugnutt is not in form as he was last season. Trading Yashin might give the Sens the boost they need.
Philadelphia Flyers: Philadelphia has played well but is plagued by the same concerns as last season -- goaltending and the health of captain Eric Lindros.
Phoenix Coyotes: Can Sean Burke carry the Coyotes? Though it has yet to show, goaltending may emerge as Phoenix's biggest obstacle to playoff success -- though some might well suggest that Khabibulin was in fact the team's biggest obstacle in past seasons.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Toronto is strong offensively and in goal, but -- with all due respect to Tie Domi and Kris King -- lacks toughness, a necessary playoff commodity.

Pretenders:

Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks, Washington Capitals. These are teams for whom short term success has masked deeper problems or -- in Calgary's case -- inexperience. At best, they may make the playoffs.

SHORTS

Biggest Team Surprises: Phoenix without Khabibulin. Ottawa without Yashin. Calgary without money.

Anaheim has disappointed

Most Improved Player: Undoubtedly Owen Nolan is the NHL's most improved player, though he has slowed of late. Honourable mentions to future star Joe Thornton (Boston), as well as Jeff O'Neill (Carolina), Valeri Bure (Calgary) and Radek Bonk (Ottawa).

Most Disappointing Player: Saku Koivu's inability to shake the injury bug has some observers wondering whether he will ever achieve the stardom once predicted of him. Even when healthy, he now plays without that abrasive edge that made him successful in Finland... Oleg Tverdovsky has disappointed in terms of offensive contribution, though coach Craig Hartsburg appears happy with his play... Sergei Samsanov has not elevated his play.

Best Rookie: Scott Gomez has impressed, without question. His size has not proven to be a hinderance. Honourable mentions to two Buffalo Sabre rookies, Maxim Afinogenov and Martin Biron.

What to Watch For In the Second Half: Has Dallas become too old too quickly? The Stars will see improvement in the second half... Better seasons from Theoren Fleury and Petr Nedved -- and a big trade -- will help the Rangers make a run for the playoffs... More points from Kariya and Selanne... Keith Primeau will be traded shortly after the All-Star break... Nikolai Khabibulin will play in the IHL for the remainder of the season... Alexei Yashin will just sit on his butt.

[Photos courtesy of Pictures Now!.]