Inside the Projections: Defense

2009-10 NHL Projections

The writers of Puck Prospectus use their VUKOTA projection system to evaluate every NHL team in eight pivotal categories, while Will Carroll and E.J. Hradek weigh in on injuries and intangibles, respectively. Get an in-depth look at a new category every weekday leading up to the unveiling of The Mag's full rankings Sept. 23.

• The Mag's Rankings Index Page

Scoring

• Wings still elite sans Hossa

Defense

• It's more than just the blue line

5-on-5 Play

• Which teams thrive 5-on-5?

Power Play

• Who's got the power?

Penalty Kill

• Who thrives shorthanded?

Goaltending

• Inside the crease

Faceoffs/Shootouts

• Faceoffs: Win or lose, it's a draw
• Shootouts: A pivotal extra point

Injuries/Intangibles

• Injuries: Which rosters are at risk?
• Intangibles: Who has "it"?

The Rankings

• The Rankings: See how the NHL projects