Goaltender Ray Emery (photo left) just might be the wildest of wild cards heading into the 2009-10 NHL season, what with his eratic background which led to a one-year stint playing in Russia last season.
But a focused on-point Emery just might be talented enough to backstop a deep Philadelphia Flyers team past Eastern Conference favorites like Washington, Boston, and the defending champs in Pittsburgh, this year.
So here's a look at how I see the East breaking down this season (with all teams listed in alphabetical order):
Playoff Locks (4): Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington.
(Continue to Jim Cerny's Rink Rap)