Daily Links: Conference Previews, Kyle Brodziak, Shootouts and more.

Western Conference preview | StarTribune.com
The Sharks were already formidable, and now they've got Dany Heatley, too.

Western teams confront key issues as season approaches: NHL.com
With the season's opening faceoff coming Thursday night, here's an updated look at a key questions facing each of the 15 Western Conference teams:

Expect a hard-fought battle in the West this season - 2009-2010 Season Preview
In order to clear up the picture, NHL Network analyst Craig Button breaks down what we will see from the West in 2009-10.

Eastern Conference preview | StarTribune.com
With its high-flying forwards, Washington appears to be the team to beat.

East teams confront key questions as season nears: NHL.com
We're on the verge of the opening faceoff. Here's an updated look at the key questions facing the 15 Eastern Conference teams as the start of the season approaches:

Red Wings have company now
Detroit used to dominate the weak Central Division. But thanks to an infusion of highly skilled youngsters, the Central just might be the NHL's strongest division.

NHL award winners: ... and the hardware goes to:
Who won last year and who Michael Russo believes will win this year.

Wild shoots for better results in shootouts
Last season, the Wild finished two points behind eighth-place Anaheim. Part of the pain of missing the playoffs is flashing back and figuring out where points were given away.

Brodziak is no glitz, lots of grit
The Wild forward is a blue-collar stalwart who works relentlessly to improve his game -- and to win. Coach Todd Richards grabbed him quickly when he was available.