Two major developments, one being realignment and the other a restoration of normalcy after the lockout-shortened, later-ending campaign, will create a league-wide contrast between the 2012-13 and 2013-14 NHL seasons.
Some of the most visible faces of that contrast will be the players exhibiting adverse effects from one or both of those elements. Those most prone to a letdown of that nature are longtime stars in their late 30s who are coming off of a 48-game sprint, and possibly playoff action, followed by an unusually short summer and now have a regular 82-game schedule ahead.
Elsewhere, there is the usual assortment of transactions that bring a player into a more challenging environment than the one he thrived in last year. Then there are the venues subject to glum forecasts that could hinder the performance of a player who is ordinarily solid.
Among the top-class NHL players who were particularly effective in their positions in 2012-13, there are four who stand out as those whose fans need not get their hopes up for an identical follow-up in 2013-14.
Unless otherwise indicated, all statistics for this slideshow were found via NHL.c ...
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Article written by Al Daniel
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