While I generally agree with Woog's predicted order of finish, I don't think a whole lot of original thought went into the analysis. Goaltending, strength of schedule, and offensive production from the blueline (or lack of any of the above) are cliches, and have all been beat to death by the blowhards on POI and USCHO to the point of becoming folklore.
Yes, goaltending was an issue. Three of the four were sent on their way, and two of the top six USHL goalies (by GAA) were signed. What more can you ask of Blais to address the issue? Pat is right, the tandem of Johnson/Briggs is as big of a question mark as the Sioux situation.
As far as the non-conference schedule goes, we all agree last season was a joke. However, Boston College, Yale, and Duluth is very comparable to what the non-conference schedule looked like in prior seasons. Blais is back to the formula of two with Hockey East, and two with the ECAC. This is back to business is usual, with last season being an aberration.
With the issue of offensive production from our defensemen, I agree with Pat and Mad Man's posts. Again, I agree with Minnesota-North Dakota in the one-two spots, but I think depth at forward and special-teams play will be the difference. Just my $0.02.