NHL Second Season to Open Tonight

It used to be Lemaire, Lafleur, and the Cup for sure. This time, when the Montreal Canadiens seek their fourth straight Stanley Cup, they should encounter new contenders who were previously mere pretenders to the National Hockey League throne.

For the first time since 1975, Montreal did not capture the league's overall point championship during the regular schedule.

But it is difficult to choose any team over Montreal to win the Cup, even though the Isles have the home-ice advantage. The best trio of defensemen in hockey (Robinson, Lapointe and Savard), solid goalkeeping from Kenny Dryden, who practices law in his spare time, and the most balanced attack you'll ever see combine to make this squad the force to reckon with in search of Lord Stanley's $48 mug (purchased in 1893).

Led by Bossy and Bryan Trottier (NHL's top scorer this year), and a no-name defense except for likely Noms Trophy winner Denis Potvin, the Islanders pose the first legitimate threat to the Canadiens in several seasons. Al Arbour coaches this position-oriented team, which boasts the best goaltending duo in the NHL (Chico Resch and Billy Smith).

Also receiving a bye to the quarterfinals by virtue of a division title is Boston, which finished third in the overall point totals. Right now, the Bruins are not the third best team in the league. If goalie Gerry Cheevers does not play well, or if the scrappy Bruin attack bogs down as it has recently, an upstart could surprise them in the quarters.

If the Smythe division champs from Chicago had any pride, they would not even accept the first round bye. Eleventh overall, seven games under .500 in divisional hockey's equivalent to double-A ball, the Black Hawks have Tony Esposito between the twines, Tom Lysiak at center, Bobby Orr in the press box, and not much else. In fact, nothing else. Say good-bye to them in the quarters.

PHILADELPHIA vs. VANCOUVER: Philly coach Pat Quinn succeeded Bob McCammon--who "resigned" midway through the schedule--and guided the team to fourth overall. No longer the Broad St. Bullies, many Flyers can still pack a punch. But the key is whether goalie Wayne Stephenson can adequately replace the injured Bernie Parent.

The Flyers, however, should have no trouble disposing the Canucks in two straght. Vancouver is quite possibly the worst team in the history of professional sports to make post-season playdowns (17 games under .500). Canuck coach Harry Neale's quote of the year is "I just don't know what's wrong with my team." Think, Harry, think.

NEW YORK RANGERS vs. LOS ANGELES: New coach Fred Shero has indoctrinated his Rangers with Russian hockey philosophy to get new life. Phil Esposito had an amazing season, John Davidson improved three-fold in the net, and Swedes Anders Hedberg and Ulf Nilsson scored stylishly. Nilsson, however, is currently out with a broken ankle. Last year, young defensemen like Greschner and DeBlois needed coaching. This year, they got it.

The Rangers should dump the Kings in two straight. L.A. will get its share of goals from Marcel Dionne, Butch Goring and Dave Taylor, and could stretch the series to three, but that is unlikely.

ATLANTA vs. TORONTO: The Maple Leafs upset the Islanders in a dramatic seven-game quarterfinal matchup last year, and possess Mike Palmateer, in Bruin mentor Don Cherry's opinion the best goalie in the league. Salming, Turnbull and Burrows compose the second-best trio of defensemen in the NHL. The late-season acquisition of Paul Gardner should add punch to an attack that relies almost exclusively upon Sittler and MacDonald.

The Flames strengthened themselves late in the schedule with the addition of Boldirev, Russell and Rota from Chicago. Bouchard can play as well as any goalie in the NHL when hot. Guy Chouinard, a 50-goal scorer and linemate Bob MacMillan are two of the most underrated players around. Leafs should win in three tight games.

BUFFALO vs. PITTSBURGH: A much-improved Buffalo squad is flying high behind coach Billy Inglis's revamped lineup. The Sabres look like a team for the first time in their history.

The Penguins played way over their heads this year, and should extend the Sabres to three tough games. Buffalo looks like a good darkhorse bet for the Cup, if goalkeeper Don Edwards performs up to par.