Who's The Winner?

Sidney Crosby's rise to stardom has been fast and furious, but the sting of a Cup finals loss left its mark. Well, he's back and he's ready to lead his Penguins. Pierre LeBrun
• Classics: Face of league? Gretz, now Sid

First, Phoenix (not so good). Then, Washington (very good). Now, our third "Team Can Dream" project is … Tampa Bay. With new owners, new staff and a revamped lineup, can the Bolts strike back? Burnside

The NHL is rich in traditions -- the mythical rinks, the black-and-white pictures of legends like "The Rocket." But new players and mainstays are reviving the sport. They're our New Classics. Launch

As the NHL again opens its season on the international stage, we're going all-world with debates on expansion and the 2010 Games.
• Faceoff: European expansion?
• Early 2010 roster picks: USA | Canada

The leaves are falling somewhere and the new season is almost here. You know what that means: Bucci! Our favorite puckhead is back with his West picks ... and a tribute to one of his heroes. John Buccigross

With the new season comes speculation and negotiation amid the free-agent landscape. E.J. Hradek looks at the early FAs for next summer and one resident GM tells us whether to keep 'em or ship 'em. Free-agent watch