from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,

The NHL is about levels, but it is about windows, too. Windows that are closing. Except the window that was supposed to be closed last year opened for the Capitals before Barry Trotz made like Johnny Keane and walked out the door with the championship belt wrapped around his waist.

Keane faded into ignominy in The Bronx; Trotz’ future will be determined while he straddles Brooklyn and Long Island.

The window has been opened for a long, long time in San Jose. Also Tampa Bay, where what has probably been the NHL’s best collection of talent the last three or four years has fallen short. The Predators have been long poised to make the final leap. And Vegas, well, for just how long are they going to fall short in the end before changes in management must be made?

The league is top-heavy again, with powerhouses ruling the Atlantic and Central divisions, once more setting up the likelihood of a playoff tournament short in integrity, featuring each conference’s best two teams in the second round.

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