Brad
Atlantic Division: Tampa Bay is the cream of the crop in
this division, and should take it handily. Even if Carey Price regresses a bit,
Montreal should be able to wind up in second place. It’s hard to count out
Detroit for a playoff spot (even with a new coach), they have a nice mix of old
and new talent on the team. From there it’s a 3-way battle for 4th. Despite
getting worst, I can’t see Boston going in the tank just yet. Florida’s still
developing, and should be in contention for a playoff spot. I don’t see
lightning striking twice for the Sens (aka Hammond saving everything), but I
don’t think they take too far a step back point-wise. The bottom two spots will
be between the Sabres and Leafs. Buffalo made improvements over the offseason
and will definitely be better. Toronto, while not expected to be the tire-fire
of last year, is still continuing the rebuild. I think Buffalo just edges
Toronto for not-last in the division.
Metropolitan Division:
This division is going to be fun, as a potential four teams could
breakout and finish in first. Pittsburgh is the favourite though, as they
decide to go more top-heavy, and it might just pay off. Even though they lost
St. Louis is retirement, the Rangers are still a very good team, and should
finish in the top two of the division. The Islanders and Capitals are in that
mix, as wither one of those teams could finish high in this division. The
battle for fifth between Philadelphia and Columbus could be tight. Carolina
will show improvements during the year, but not enough to shake up the
division. New Jersey looks destine to drag through the season at the bottom of
the standings.
Eastern Wild Card: Washington Capitals, Philadelphia Flyers.
After Washington it feels like a crapshoot. It feels like
either one of Philadelphia, Columbus, Boston, Florida, or Ottawa can squeeze
their way into the final playoff spot. For the final spot I have Philadelphia
taking it, as they look like the most established team out of that group.
Central Division: This is probably the toughest division to pick. St. Louis doesn’t look to have taken a step back (despite a questionable trade in the offseason), so them repeating as division champs could happen. I was burned last year by picking Dallas high, and dammit ain’t I stubborn enough to do it again. They have made a couple of moves that helped in all three areas (signing Niemi and Oduya, trading for Sharp), and will likely will every game 6-5. Chicago, despite having to rid themselves of some players, is still a very good team. The only question (from a hockey perspective) is how much the Patrick Kane investigation will affect them. Nashville and Minnesota are teams that could push through and end up near the top of the division. Winnipeg and Colorado round out what looks to be a very competitive division.
Pacific Division: Anaheim takes this division easily. The
other two guaranteed playoff spots might belong to the other two California
teams. Both Los Angeles and San Jose should have bounce back years. Calgary was
riding the percentages for most of last season. Those should come down, but
with the moves they made (Hamilton and Frolik), they should remain competitive
enough to be the playoff hunt. Vancouver isn’t what it used to be, and will
slide down the standings. I just can’t put Edmonton higher than sixth. It seems
like the same old story (#1 draft pick, new coach). Just need them to prove
that they can actually take a step forward. Arizona ends up last in the
division, as the rebuild in the desert continues.
Western Wild Card: Nashville Predators, Minnesota Wild
The Central looks too good to not take both playoff spots. Nashville
and Minnesota are the better well-rounded teams. Calgary and Winnipeg should make
things interesting though.MDK
Eastern Wild Card: Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators
Western Wild Card: Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings
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