National Hockey

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The resurgence of the Columbus Blue Jackets last season was every bit as surprising as the previous year's collapse.

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS LAST SEASON: 50-24-8, third in Metropolitan Division. Eliminated by Pittsburgh in first round of playoffs. COACH: John Tortorella, third year, 84-57-16. ADDED: LW Artemi Panarin.

NEW YORK — After missing the playoffs by a point last season, the New York Islanders will be looking to get off to a better start as they begin their first full season under Doug Weight.

NEW YORK ISLANDERS LAST SEASON: 41-29-12, 94 points. Fifth in Metropolitan Division. COACH: Doug Weight (second season, second NHL season). ADDED: F Jordan Eberle. LOST: F Ryan Strome, D Travis Hamonic, G Jean-Francois Berube.

HALIFAX — A year after Halifax decided to consider naming a street after Sidney Crosby, the hockey superstar suddenly finds himself embroiled in an ugly political mess that has some residents openly musing about rescinding the offer.

BUFFALO SABRES LAST SEASON: 33-37-12, 78 points. Finished last in Atlantic Division and 15th in Eastern Conference, extending playoff drought to sixth consecutive season. COACH: Phil Housley (first season, first NHL season).

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS LAST SEASON: 39-33-10, 88 points. 11th in the Eastern Conference. COACH: Dave Hakstol (third season, third NHL season) ADDED: G Brian Elliott LOST: F Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, F Nick Cousins, D Michael Del Zotto.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Back in Buffalo for a second stint, former Sabres captain Jason Pominville is the only member of a retooled lineup with firsthand knowledge of how much buzz the team can generate around town when winning.

ARIZONA COYOTES LAST SEASON: 30-42-10, 70 points. Sixth in Pacific Division COACH: Rick Tocchet (first season, third NHL season). ADDED: C Derek Stepan, D Niklas Hjalmarsson, G Antti Raanta, D Adam Clendening, D Jason Demers.

The NHL has a clear message to coaches starting this season: Don't challenge an offside call unless you are really, really sure.