The NHL season is finally upon us, which means we get to finally outline predictions for the upcoming hockey season. We’ll do each conference, and predict which teams will make the playoffs. Last year, Z-Code was one of the only professional prediction services to have the Devils making the Stanley Cup Final. Let’s see if we can do it again this year:
Western Conference:
1. Vancouver Canucks: How do you bet against these guys? They return a stud goaltender and some of the best scorers in hockey. They have a two-way team that can dominate a game. The Canucks will be great again.
2. St. Louis Blues: The Blues have the best goaltending tandem in hockey. This team is built for another playoff run.
3. LA Kings: In the worst division in hockey, the Kings should be able to win the division this year. They made a Stanley Cup run last year as an 8th seed, but they won’t sneak up on anyone this year. This is a top team for sure.
4. Detroit Red Wings: In the toughest division in hockey, the Red Wings will have a hard time beating out the Hawks and Blues. That said, if Jimmy Howard can repeat last year’s success, the Wings have a great chance at making a deep playoff run.
5. Nashville Predators: Pekka Rinne will carry this team to the playoffs, but without Ryan Suter the defense could take a step back. Shea Weber is back, though, and that should be enough of last year’s roster to make a run.
6. San Jose Sharks: The Sharks always seem to find a way to make the playoffs. While this year’s team doesn’t blow me away, it’s hard to imagine them missing the playoffs.
7. Chicago Blackhawks: The same is true of the Blackhawks. They have scoring and balance, but last year’s goaltending was a liability. If Crawford can pull it together, the Hawks are a playoff team for sure.
8. Minnesota Wild: The Wild spent a ton of money this offseason to acquire Zach Parise and Ryan Suter from free agency. It could be enough to squeak into the postseason. If the tandem gels quickly, the Wild could be dominant for stretches this year. 8th seems like a safe prediction, but don’t be surprised by a tremendous amount of volatility from these guys.
9. Anaheim Ducks
10. Dallas Stars
11. Calgary Flames
12. Edmonton Oilers
13. Phoenix Coyotes
14.Colorado Avalanche
15. Columbus Blue Jackets
Eastern Conference Predictions
1. New York Rangers: After last season’s dominant season, it’s hard to imagine the Rangers falling off after adding Rick Nash in the offseason.
2. Boston Bruins: The Bruins should be able to control this division again, but with Tim Thomas sitting this season out, playoff expectations should be tempered slightly.
3. Washington Capitals: The Florida Panthers were the story of last season in the Eastern Conference, but they won’t do it again. The Capitals are loaded and despite the departure of Alexander Semin, the Caps should take this division. They added a few pieces and finally have goaltending stability.
4. Pittsburgh Penguins: The Pens have the best offense in the Eastern Conference, but I’m not sure they can compete with the Rangers’ consistency and balance. Fleury fell apart in the postseason, let’s see if he bounces back. Either way, this is the second-best team in the East.
5. Philadelphia Flyers: The Atlantic Division is loaded, but the Flyers have tons of potential. As always, this team will go as Ilya Bryzgalov goes. The Flyers will be streaky and dangerous.
6. Buffalo Sabres: A concussion rattled Ryan Miller last season. If he plays consistently this year, the Sabres will be a force. Look for Buffalo to compete all year.
7. Carolina Hurricanes: I like the additions this team made in the offseason and Cam Ward can be dominant. Look for Carolina to return to their consistent, middle-of-the-conference play.
8. New Jersey Devils; They lost Zach Parise, but they’re the same team otherwise. They took a step back, but they could still be a playoff team if they adjust quickly to the loss of their captain.
9. Tampa Bay Lightning
10. Florida Panthers
11. Ottawa Senators
12. New York Islanders
13. Montreal Canadiens
14. Toronto Maple Leafs
15. Winnipeg Jets
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