Central Division Preview: It is the best of teams, the worst of teams

Home to the defending Stanley Cup champion and a couple of franchises that are clearly tanking, the Central has a little bit of everything

The Colorado Avalanche and St. Louis Blues are a good bet to finish 1-2 in the Central this season.

Three years ago, the Northeast Division was home to both the Stanley Cup champion (Tampa Bay Lightning) and the two worst teams in the NHL (Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings). Don’t be surprised if the Central Division matches the feat this season. The Colorado Avalanche enter the season with an excellent chance to repeat their championship, while the Chicago Blackhawks and Arizona Coyotes are good bets to be in a turtle race for 31st and 32nd place.