NHL Pacific Division Picks: Ducks, Kings, Flames
I was surprised by the Calgary Flames last year and impressed by what I consider an unexpected playoff run. Traditional favorites like the LA Kings and Vancouver Canucks fell off a bit, and the Flames jumped in to fill the void. Can they do it again? Can anyone catch the Anaheim Ducks?
1. Anaheim Ducks (107 pts): I think the Ducks are arguably the most complete team in hockey. They have strong goaltending, experienced depth, and an explosive offense. I don’t know how anyone can catch them, and competitive as the West is, I think the Ducks can be dominant again this year.
2. LA Kings (97 pts): Jonathan Quick makes this team really hard to bet against, but their collapse down the stretch kept them out of the playoffs. I expect them to bounce back a little bit, led by strong goaltending and more consistent play.
3. Calgary Flames (94 pts): The Flames were fun to watch last postseason. They had clutch scoring, capable goaltending, and nothing to lose. This year, I don’t expect them to surprise anyone again. That said, they will only get better with experience.
4. Vancouver Canucks (91 pts): The Canucks were a confusing bunch last year, collapsing in the playoffs as goaltending issues destroyed a talented team. I think they’ll be in contention, but I’m not sure they’re even a playoff team this year.
5. San Jose Sharks (88 pts): The Sharks got old, the window closed, and the team just isn’t what it once was. The same names and faces are there, but plagued by mediocrity that never really made the playoff run they were capable of in their prime, this Sharks team will fall short again in 2016.
6. Edmonton Oilers (73 pts): Isn’t it cool how the Oilers got another first pick in the lottery? While I think this “once in a generation” talent will help them be more competitive, I just can’t see the Oilers competing in the West.
7. Arizona Coyotes (59 pts): This is a team without hope, without fans, without direction. This is an organization that is flawed from the top down with insufficient talent to compete at the NHL level.
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