Some observers are predicting the Canucks could win the Stanley Cup this spring. But to accomplish that they’ll need Luongo, who has struggled in the playoffs the past two years, to play the best hockey of his career. The Canucks have lethal scoring and a very deep defense corps, but if Luongo doesn’t come through this season they can forget about the Cup.

Perhaps no player personifies the Sharks better than Thornton, who is dominant during the regular season but struggles in the playoffs. “Jumbo Joe” will be the Sharks' best player this season, but if they’re to finally reach the Stanley Cup final they’ll need him to elevate his postseason play.

He arrived in St. Louis with great expectations, having carried an over-achieving Montreal Canadiens team to the Eastern Conference Final last spring with his stellar goaltending. The Blues are still rebuilding primarily with youth and Halak will be expected to provide a strong presence between the pipes this season if they’re to reach the playoffs.

The Coyotes last season stunned the hockey world by making the playoffs for the first time in seven years. While it was a team effort, Bryzgalov’s goaltending – he was runner-up for the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goalie – was the prime reason. He’ll be the foundation upon which the club attempts to build upon last season’s success.

Captain of the Predators as well as the anchor of their power play, Weber posted up solid numbers last season (16-27-43 in 78 games) but only 12 of those points came following the Winter Olympics break. Without the Olympics as a distraction this season, it’s a good bet Weber could post better numbers, providing a significant boost to the Predators offense.

The Wild rewarded Koivu for his offensive consistency last season by making him their first permanent captain and with a franchise-record, seven-year $47 million contract. He’s made constant improvement with each passing season and, at 27, is entering his playing prime. The Wild are changing their style toward a more offensive game, and it’ll be Koivu who’ll lead the way.

The Kings have several talented young players, but the best of the bunch is Doughty, who last season became the second-youngest defenseman in NHL history to be nominated for the Norris Trophy. The 20-year-old was second in team scoring, third in plus-minus and third in league scoring for defensemen in 2009-10. Expect more great things from Doughty this season

Last season was the worst in Oilers history, with Hemsky’s season-ending shoulder surgery being one of the main factors as it robbed them of their most talented offensive player. For the rebuilding Oilers to make any significant improvement this season they’ll need a healthy Hemsky to be at his best.

Although he seemed to struggle at times in the first half of last season, Lidstrom’s numbers improved in the second half and in the playoffs as his teammates got healthier. The 40-year-old Red Wings captain remains the anchor of the blueline and among the league’s best defensemen, and the club hopes he has enough left for one more strong season.

After struggling with injuries and lesser linemates, Richards returned to form last season by matching a career high in points (91) to lead the Stars in scoring. A potential free agent next summer, Richards’ performance could determine not only where he plays after this season but also where the Stars place in the standings.

The Blue Jackets' failure to repeat as playoff contenders last season has had an adverse effect on their fan base and has raised questions about the franchise’s long-term future in Columbus. Team captain Nash had a good performance (33-34-67) in 2009-10 but for the Blue Jackets to improve this season, they’ll need more production and leadership from their franchise player.

The main reason the rebuilding Avalanche surprised observers last season by making the playoffs was the play of Anderson, who won 38 games, seven of which were shutouts. This club will stick with its young players this season so they’ll need Anderson to once again shoulder a heavy load and stand tall between the pipes.

The Blackhawks retained their core of young stars this summer but were forced to move out eight regulars for salary-cap reasons. It’ll be up to Toews, the team captain and 2010 playoff MVP, to provide the leadership needed to help the replacements mesh smoothly into the lineup as well as to provide the ‘Hawks with his usual sound two-way play.

Team captain Jarome Iginla may be the Flames' heart and soul but it’s Kiprusoff who gives this offensively challenged team a chance to win. After a slow start to last season, Kiprusoff finished strong with a 35-28-10 record, a 2.31 GAA, .920 save percentage and four shutouts. Should the Flames again struggle to score, they’ll need “Kipper” to bail them out if they hope to make the playoffs.

The Ducks have a solid core of young stars in Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Bobby Ryan but their playoff hopes this season rest upon Hiller. Having earned the starting goalie job last season, Hiller struggled at times. That contributed to the Ducks missing the 2010 postseason. As the Ducks enter this season with an overhauled defense corps they’ll need Hiller to be at his best.