The Northeast Division has usually been one of the top divisions in hockey, with the Canadiens, Leafs, Senators, Sabres and Bruins generally supplying the postseason with at least three teams. In recent seasons, however, despite the resurgence of the Canadiens and Boston’s attempt at rebuilding, the Northeast has seen a marked decline in the talent level of its teams.

Montreal will look to build on last year’s success, as the top team in the East last year added a number of goal scorers to an already potent offense. Robert Lang and Alex Tanguay will be expected to boost the production of one of the top offenses in the league last year. If Carey Price is solid in net, look for Montreal to be at the top of the Eastern Conference again.

With the talent that is under contract in Ottawa, the Senators should be competitive again. Any team that sports a first line of Danny Alfredsson, Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza is going to put the puck in the net. Then again, Ottawa has been one of the most talented teams on paper for the past few seasons, with no Conference Championships or Cup victories to show for it. Most of the reason for the Senators’ lack of success is the fact that the team chemistry which has given less-talented teams more success is not present in Canada’s capital. With troublemaker Ray Emery off the roster, Ottawa may have ridded themselves of a major distraction. The additions of veteran defensemen like Jason Smith and Filip Kuba should help cut the goals against down, but with Ottawa’s track record of poor finishes down the stretch, it’s tough to see them going deep into the playoffs against a high-powered Eastern Conference full of young talent and heart.

Toronto fans are likely in for a long season, despite the hiring of new coach Ron Wilson. The loss of Mats Sundin, Kyle Wellwood and Bryan McCabe are not going to make the Leafs any better this year, although they have made room for Cliff Fletcher to rebuild a team that should have success in the long road. For 2008-09, however, the Leafs will need to buckle down and try to maintain some respectability. Look for some high draft picks next spring, but not much more.

Boston surprised a lot of people when they made the playoffs last year. Unfortunately, they didn’t make many big moves in the offseason that will help them get any farther than they did in 2008. Tim Thomas should be solid in net again, and the young talent pool headed by Phil Kessel, Milan Lucic and co. should continue to put the puck in the net. As long as a team can get to the playoffs, anything is possible, but with powerhouses like Pittsburgh and Montreal lurking around, Boston may find themselves in trouble come April.

And last but not least, the Buffalo Sabres. The losses of Drury and Briere were felt hard after the Sabres’ brush with success a few seasons ago. The front office wasn’t going to let the same thing happen with star goalie Ryan Miller, signing him to a five year deal. With goaltending in place and plenty of young talent up front, the Sabres should give coach Lindy Ruff enough to work with to put together a successful season.

Division standings predictions: Montreal, Ottawa, Buffalo, Boston, Toronto