NHL Season Preview: Predictions---Just Predictions
Posted 8:51 AM ET | Comments 5
With a shortened season only days away, there are a lot if things taking place behind the scenes for each NHL team. The field is wide open. Last season we all watched as a Los Angeles Kings team cracked the playoff brackets and made their way through each series quietly building confidence and tightening their defense while mustering up scoring that they had rarely seen during the regular season. A team that had it’s issues, figured it out.I’ve learned to expect the unexpected. Nothing is as it seems when the playoffs begin. But should that stop any of us from making predictions for this season? Should that keep us from pointing our fingers at the paper and declaring division winners? Conference winners? Award winners? Or even, the ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup? The anser is a resounding no. Of course not.
Let’s start with the Pacific Division. After all, the Kings won the cup. The Pheonix Coyotes made an unlikely push of their own last season, winning the Pacific. They did not have much to speak for in the form of reinforcements at the trade deadline but continued to make a defensive effort. Goalie Mike Smith and forward Shane Doan helped the Coyotes make a deep run. Along with Pheonix, was the always playoff present San Jose Sharks. The Sharks are a consistent organization. They have a very loyal following and they honor their fans commitment by giving them playoff hockey often. The are comparable to the Atlanta Braves. They win their division or get to the post season, but have a championship drought. The Kings, we’ve covered. Dallas and Anaheim did not make the playoffs. I see a change in the winds this season, but only a small change. I think the San Jose Sharks will take over the division again. They are a deep, physical team and they have experience. They have some money to spend as well if necessary. San Jose wins the Pacific.
The Northwest dvision hasn’t had much turnover recently. The Vancouver Canucks have had a stranglehold on the division, while also being a heavy playoff favorite. The Calgary Flames are team with coming turnover and a bit of uncertainty. There is some young talent in their system, most recently personified in the form of Johnny Gaudreau at the World Junior Championships. They made a few small moves this offseason, but I don’t think that changes anything. But teams like the Minnesota Wild have certainly made moves this offseason, signing Ryan Suter and Zach Parise to mega-deals. The Wild will make the playoffs this season under Mike Yeo, but the division is not theirs. The Edmonton Oilers stillcare very, very young but also very talented. Don’t be shocked if the Oilers make some moves this season to get better, but don’t expect them to take the division. I think Vancouver maintains control. They have a smart coaching staff and veteran players across the board with talent in the defensive and offensive zones. The Canucks also have a duo in goal, at least for the moment, that can stack wins. Vancouver wins the Northwest.
The Central division may be the toughest division in hockey. Well, at least in the Western Conference it is. The only team I will eliminate right now. I’ll even go as far as giving them a top pick in the draft after the season. That’s the Columbus Blue Jackets. They traded Rick Nash, finally. The package they pulled back for the star was not quite what many of us expected they would settle for. They have brought in some talent but I am not sold. Not even close. The St. Louis Blues surprised a lot of people, but they didn’t ssurprise me. They have quietly been building a delightful team. Their defense and goaltending is their strength. That is a playoff formula. Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliot fuel the forward unit with their play. Ordinarily the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings control the Central. I think that trend rears its head, with the Red Wings winning the division, but St. Louis making a deeper run in the playoffs. Detroit takes the division, but watch out for St. Louis.
The Southeast division in the Eastern Conference has seen many changes this offseason. The Carolina Hurricanes added to it’s family, literally. Jordan Staal joined his brothers Eric and Jared in Carolina after being traded for from the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Canes also signed the talented, but sometimes lost, Alexander Semin. The Washington Capitals made both an expected and unexpected run in the playoffs but made a coaching change because Dale Hunter left to go coach the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. They signed now Hall of Famer Adam Oates and traded for veteran Mike Ribeiro from Dallas. Tampa Bay had Steven Stamkos, but that was it. They were otherwise deplorable. The Winnipeg Jets were one of the most exciting non playoff teams simply because of their fans. The Jets made their triumphant return toWinnipeg and win or lose I couldn’t help being happy for that city. Meanwhile, the Florida Panther capitalized on thier moves and won the Southeast. I don’t see the same result this year. I think the Hurricanes will win the Southeast, but it will be very close. It always is.
The Northeast division is always highlighted by physical games. The Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens set the tone for that. Their rivalry legendary and the build up never ceases, for good reason. The Ottawa Senators have a very talented offensive team, even on defense, but in the defensive zone, they are somewhat weaker. The Buffalo Sabres can surprise at any time. They have recently been out of the playoff chase, in the playoff hunt and also in the draft lottery, or so it seems. Their pick s of Mikhail Grigorenko and Zemgus Girgensons will defintiely pay off in the future, but I am not sold on this year. Toronto is in that same boat, or maybe even another one, with a leak and a fire and pirates boarding it. I don’t trust Totonto’s defense or its netminders despite having some rising stars on offense. I think it’ll be a battle down to the final matchups between Boston and Montreal with the edge going to Montreal. The only reason I believe that, is because Carey Price and Peter Budaj don’t have the same concerns that Tukka Rask and Anton Khudobin will have. Rask had a groin issue last season while Khudobin hasn’t logged many NHL minutes. I could be wrong. It will be a tight division and I could see either taking it, but I am siding with the Canadiens, for now.
That brings us to the Atlantic division. The Pittsburgh Penguins have been and will continue to be a fan favorite and playoff favorite for many. I myself am a fan of the team. I have been since before birth, if that’s possible. The Penguins have had no issue scoring. They boasted the best line in hockey with Evgeni Malin. James Neal and Chris Kunitz. The play of that line and Marc Andre Fleury fueled the Penguins into the playoffs, but they didn’t win the division. The Philadelphia Flyers are always gritty, physical and resourceful. The Flyer’s young talent showed often while also getting help from veteran Jaromir Jagr. It pains me to say they have a bright future. The Flyers did not win the division either. The Islanders did not win the division. They have a long way to go to beat any team in the division often let alone win it. The New Jersey Devils got to a Stanley Cup final and represented the Eastern Conference but they didn’t win it either. The New York Rangers, with a shot blocking style and tight checking habits stole the division, not with a win but with a lack of a loss. Goalie Henrik Lundqvist at times carried them on his back because of a lack of scoring. The Rangers traded for Rick Nash and are a heavy favorite to win the cup. I understand why. I think the Rangers take the division again with, Pittsburgh on their heels.
The Eastern Conference will be represented by the New York Rangers. I feel their organizational depth is tough to match for a lot of teams. Their own division opponents may be their best matches. As much as I hope I am wrong, it would not shock me if the Rangers improved on their play in the regular season and the playoffs. That’s why I see them in the finals. The Western Conference will be represented by the the St. Louis Blues. The building blocks that have been set to this point will be tested, but I love the foundation. I feel that in a very tight conference with favorites such as Vancouver, Detroit and Nashville the Blues can come out ahead. They have something about them that I like. I think they can capitalize on the scramble other teams will be making and get the best out of their best with Ken Hitchcock at the helm. I think St. Louis can win the cup as well. Don’t take my word for it though. Watch the games. The games will be played—thank God! I could be comlpetely wrong. I probably will be. That’s why they call these things predictions. Either way, enjoy the season. Hockey is back!
I also have a rundown of possible award winners for this post lockout season.
Hart Memorial Trophy: Evgeni Malkin
Vezina Trophy: Henrik Lundqvist
James Norris Memorial Trophy: Kris Letang
Calder Memorial Trophy: Dougie Hamilton
Frank J. Selke Trophy: Ryan Callahan
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy: Daniel Sedin
King Clancy Trophy: Scott Hartnell
Jack Adams Award: Darryl Sutter
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy: Sidney Crosby
Art Ross Trophy: Evgeni Malkin
Maurice Richard Trophy: Jordan Eberle
William M. Jennings Trophy: Marc-Andre Fleury and Tomas Vokoun
Conn Smythe Trophy: David Backes
Ted Lindsay Award: Evgeni Malkin
Let’s start with the Pacific Division. After all, the Kings won the cup. The Pheonix Coyotes made an unlikely push of their own last season, winning the Pacific. They did not have much to speak for in the form of reinforcements at the trade deadline but continued to make a defensive effort. Goalie Mike Smith and forward Shane Doan helped the Coyotes make a deep run. Along with Pheonix, was the always playoff present San Jose Sharks. The Sharks are a consistent organization. They have a very loyal following and they honor their fans commitment by giving them playoff hockey often. The are comparable to the Atlanta Braves. They win their division or get to the post season, but have a championship drought. The Kings, we’ve covered. Dallas and Anaheim did not make the playoffs. I see a change in the winds this season, but only a small change. I think the San Jose Sharks will take over the division again. They are a deep, physical team and they have experience. They have some money to spend as well if necessary. San Jose wins the Pacific.
The Northwest dvision hasn’t had much turnover recently. The Vancouver Canucks have had a stranglehold on the division, while also being a heavy playoff favorite. The Calgary Flames are team with coming turnover and a bit of uncertainty. There is some young talent in their system, most recently personified in the form of Johnny Gaudreau at the World Junior Championships. They made a few small moves this offseason, but I don’t think that changes anything. But teams like the Minnesota Wild have certainly made moves this offseason, signing Ryan Suter and Zach Parise to mega-deals. The Wild will make the playoffs this season under Mike Yeo, but the division is not theirs. The Edmonton Oilers stillcare very, very young but also very talented. Don’t be shocked if the Oilers make some moves this season to get better, but don’t expect them to take the division. I think Vancouver maintains control. They have a smart coaching staff and veteran players across the board with talent in the defensive and offensive zones. The Canucks also have a duo in goal, at least for the moment, that can stack wins. Vancouver wins the Northwest.
The Central division may be the toughest division in hockey. Well, at least in the Western Conference it is. The only team I will eliminate right now. I’ll even go as far as giving them a top pick in the draft after the season. That’s the Columbus Blue Jackets. They traded Rick Nash, finally. The package they pulled back for the star was not quite what many of us expected they would settle for. They have brought in some talent but I am not sold. Not even close. The St. Louis Blues surprised a lot of people, but they didn’t ssurprise me. They have quietly been building a delightful team. Their defense and goaltending is their strength. That is a playoff formula. Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliot fuel the forward unit with their play. Ordinarily the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings control the Central. I think that trend rears its head, with the Red Wings winning the division, but St. Louis making a deeper run in the playoffs. Detroit takes the division, but watch out for St. Louis.
The Southeast division in the Eastern Conference has seen many changes this offseason. The Carolina Hurricanes added to it’s family, literally. Jordan Staal joined his brothers Eric and Jared in Carolina after being traded for from the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Canes also signed the talented, but sometimes lost, Alexander Semin. The Washington Capitals made both an expected and unexpected run in the playoffs but made a coaching change because Dale Hunter left to go coach the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. They signed now Hall of Famer Adam Oates and traded for veteran Mike Ribeiro from Dallas. Tampa Bay had Steven Stamkos, but that was it. They were otherwise deplorable. The Winnipeg Jets were one of the most exciting non playoff teams simply because of their fans. The Jets made their triumphant return toWinnipeg and win or lose I couldn’t help being happy for that city. Meanwhile, the Florida Panther capitalized on thier moves and won the Southeast. I don’t see the same result this year. I think the Hurricanes will win the Southeast, but it will be very close. It always is.
The Northeast division is always highlighted by physical games. The Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens set the tone for that. Their rivalry legendary and the build up never ceases, for good reason. The Ottawa Senators have a very talented offensive team, even on defense, but in the defensive zone, they are somewhat weaker. The Buffalo Sabres can surprise at any time. They have recently been out of the playoff chase, in the playoff hunt and also in the draft lottery, or so it seems. Their pick s of Mikhail Grigorenko and Zemgus Girgensons will defintiely pay off in the future, but I am not sold on this year. Toronto is in that same boat, or maybe even another one, with a leak and a fire and pirates boarding it. I don’t trust Totonto’s defense or its netminders despite having some rising stars on offense. I think it’ll be a battle down to the final matchups between Boston and Montreal with the edge going to Montreal. The only reason I believe that, is because Carey Price and Peter Budaj don’t have the same concerns that Tukka Rask and Anton Khudobin will have. Rask had a groin issue last season while Khudobin hasn’t logged many NHL minutes. I could be wrong. It will be a tight division and I could see either taking it, but I am siding with the Canadiens, for now.
That brings us to the Atlantic division. The Pittsburgh Penguins have been and will continue to be a fan favorite and playoff favorite for many. I myself am a fan of the team. I have been since before birth, if that’s possible. The Penguins have had no issue scoring. They boasted the best line in hockey with Evgeni Malin. James Neal and Chris Kunitz. The play of that line and Marc Andre Fleury fueled the Penguins into the playoffs, but they didn’t win the division. The Philadelphia Flyers are always gritty, physical and resourceful. The Flyer’s young talent showed often while also getting help from veteran Jaromir Jagr. It pains me to say they have a bright future. The Flyers did not win the division either. The Islanders did not win the division. They have a long way to go to beat any team in the division often let alone win it. The New Jersey Devils got to a Stanley Cup final and represented the Eastern Conference but they didn’t win it either. The New York Rangers, with a shot blocking style and tight checking habits stole the division, not with a win but with a lack of a loss. Goalie Henrik Lundqvist at times carried them on his back because of a lack of scoring. The Rangers traded for Rick Nash and are a heavy favorite to win the cup. I understand why. I think the Rangers take the division again with, Pittsburgh on their heels.
The Eastern Conference will be represented by the New York Rangers. I feel their organizational depth is tough to match for a lot of teams. Their own division opponents may be their best matches. As much as I hope I am wrong, it would not shock me if the Rangers improved on their play in the regular season and the playoffs. That’s why I see them in the finals. The Western Conference will be represented by the the St. Louis Blues. The building blocks that have been set to this point will be tested, but I love the foundation. I feel that in a very tight conference with favorites such as Vancouver, Detroit and Nashville the Blues can come out ahead. They have something about them that I like. I think they can capitalize on the scramble other teams will be making and get the best out of their best with Ken Hitchcock at the helm. I think St. Louis can win the cup as well. Don’t take my word for it though. Watch the games. The games will be played—thank God! I could be comlpetely wrong. I probably will be. That’s why they call these things predictions. Either way, enjoy the season. Hockey is back!
I also have a rundown of possible award winners for this post lockout season.
Hart Memorial Trophy: Evgeni Malkin
Vezina Trophy: Henrik Lundqvist
James Norris Memorial Trophy: Kris Letang
Calder Memorial Trophy: Dougie Hamilton
Frank J. Selke Trophy: Ryan Callahan
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy: Daniel Sedin
King Clancy Trophy: Scott Hartnell
Jack Adams Award: Darryl Sutter
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy: Sidney Crosby
Art Ross Trophy: Evgeni Malkin
Maurice Richard Trophy: Jordan Eberle
William M. Jennings Trophy: Marc-Andre Fleury and Tomas Vokoun
Conn Smythe Trophy: David Backes
Ted Lindsay Award: Evgeni Malkin
Wait...Montreal sets a physical tone?
How did you post? Ive been trying all day and keep getting this weird error. Grrr
Dwight, for that particular series I would say yes. They are definitely the team more focused on possesion and scoring off the bat and not a hitting game, but they can bang with Boston, and do.
Posted the normal way. Not sure what any issue might be.
No mention of Colorado in your northwest section?