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• Rankings: Have free agency and trades altered the balance of power in the NHL?

It's the middle of July, which means the NHL season starts, what, next Thursday? We know now that the Flyers and Bruins will take to the ice at Fenway Park (although Kimmo "Bleepin'" Timonen doesn't have quite the same ring to it) this season. What remains to be seen is exactly how titanic a tilt that proves to be.

The Penguins are the defending champions until someone proves otherwise, but a typically active offseason has shuffled the cards in the NHL. After relocating to the Flyers, Chris Pronger will be on hand for the game in Boston. Marian Hossa will doom neither the Penguins nor the Red Wings, having taken his curse to the Blackhawks. And the Rangers hope adding Marian Gaborik works out better than some recent shopping trips.

So while surveying the schedule (and thanking the hockey gods you're not a Canucks fan) and reviewing offseason moves, take a few minutes to rank the league. Trust us, it'll soothe your hockey cravings without the pesky legal fees from dropping the gloves.

• Would you rather attend the Winter Classic or the Olympic gold-medal game?
• 'Nation would rather see Alex Ovechkin's Caps at Fenway Park.
• Voters say return of Jacques Lemaire won't lead Devils back to Stanley Cup.
• Beyond the 'Nation: Scott Burnside's games to watch this NHL season.

“

Crosby is the best overall player? I think Zetterberg has a stronger argument. Give Crosby a couple more years to mature and sharpen his two way play, and he will probably become the best overall. But for right now, I'd take Zetterberg over Crosby in a heart beat. Crosby isn't even the best player on his own team.

” -- buckwings

“

Wowwwww the Canucks have a rough road trip. I could see that really hurting their season if they do terrible, although of course it could do the opposite and prove how deep they could make a run in the playoffs.

” -- coltshero12