Wednesday, October 4, 2017

NHL 2017-18 Season Predictions

Another October, another start of the season. Will the Penguins become the first three-peat champions since the 80's? Will McDavid end up with another 100-point season? Will Nico Hischier win the Calder Trophy as top rookie? (Answers: Probably not, Probably, I will fight every PHWA member who doesn't make him first on their ballots).

Until those questions are answered, here is how my brother and I see the season playing out (and sorry for no board, I don't have one with Vegas on it. Stupid expansion).

* - Denotes playoff teams

Brad

Atlantic Division
1 - Montreal Canadiens*
2 - Tampa Bay Lightning*
3 - Toronto Maple Leafs*
4 - Boston Bruins
5 - Ottawa Senators
6 - Florida Panthers
7 - Buffalo Sabres
8 - Detroit Red Wings

Pending on health, it should be a one-two finish with Montreal and Tampa Bay at the top of the division. The edge goes to the Habs, as Price will once again Carey (!!!) this team despite the scoring woes. Andrei Vasilevskiy performed well last season in Tampa Bay, and is now the de facto starting goalie for the team. Toronto is still on the rise, and is good enough to earn a divisional playoff spot. While they made the playoffs last season, both Boston and Ottawa will be in tough in what could be another close battle for a wildcard spot. Both teams come up short in the end though, as the Atlantic Division only sends three teams to the postseason. Florida continues to be baffling, and shouldn't be much of a playoff threat. Buffalo makes improvements, but still falls short of the playoffs. Detroit finally bottoms out in what starts (continues?) a long-overdue rebuild.

Metropolitan Division
1 - Pittsburgh Penguins*
2 - Washington Capitals*
3 - New York Rangers*
4 - Columbus Blue Jackets*
5 - Carolina Hurricanes*
6 - Philadelphia Flyers
7 - New York Islanders
8 - New Jersey Devils

The top three are almost locks, with the Penguins, Capitals, and Rangers locking up the divisional playoff spots (Rangers were the only iffy one, but they should hold to that third spot). After that it's kinds wide open. As long as Bobrovsky is healthy, the Blue Jackets should be able to clinch a wildcard spot. The Hurricanes have been building for a bit, and this year is the year they make the leap to playoff team, in what could be a battle for the second wildcard spot. The Flyers and Islanders take a step back and miss the playoffs. The Devils improve point-wise, but still end up at the bottom of the division.

Central Division
1 - Minnesota Wild*
2 - Nashville Predators*
3 - St. Louis Blues*
4 - Winnipeg Jets*
5 - Dallas Stars
6 - Chicago Blackhawks
7 - Colorado Avalanche

A Bruce Boudreau team at the top of the division? You don't say. Yes, the Wild will find their way to the top of a pretty tough (but banged up) division. The Predators, coming off a Final appearance, should take the second spot. After that, I have no clue. St. Louis' injuries to start the season will hinder them to start, but they are talented enough to earn a playoff spot. Winnipeg is continuing to improve, and the tandem of Steve Mason and Connor Hellebuyck should bounce back after both had down years last year. They'll managed to squeak into a wildcard spot. On the outside are the Stars, who will also rebound after a bad year, thanks to a healthy Seguin to start and the coaching style of Ken Hitchcock. The Blackhawks finally take a (likely needed) step back, missing the playoffs. The Avalanche are the Avalanche, and unless every team ahead of them is contracted, should contend for the first overall pick again this year.

Pacific Division
1 - Anaheim Ducks*
2 - San Jose Sharks*
3 - Edmonton Oilers*
4 - Calgary Flames*
5 - Los Angeles Kings
6 - Phoenix Coyotes
7 - Vegas Golden Knights
8 - Vancouver Canucks

Anaheim is usually a dman good regular season team, and I don't see too much of a reason to think otherwise. The Ducks will once again take the top spot in the division. Despite missing long-time Shark Patrick Marleau, San Jose is still a pretty good. They'll bump up a spot and end up second in the division. Edmonton is McDavid, as he goes so do the Oilers. This team may take a small step back (likely due to the need to lessen Cam Talbot's workload), but will still clinch a playoff spot. Calgary reinforced up front (JAGR!) and the blueline (Travis Hamonic) and should only improve. The only question is in goal, as Mike Smith is older and hasn't been above average for a couple of years. Either way, the Flames once again scoop up a wildcard spot. Los Angeles continues to compete for a playoff spot, but fall short when the season is done. Phoenix is building toward something, and should finish with more points this year. They'll still be out of the playoffs though. Expansion teams usually suffer in the first year, and Vegas looks to be no different. At the bottom is Vancouver, who bottom out once again.

MDK

Atlantic Division
1 - Ottawa Senators*
2 - Buffalo Sabres*
3 - Toronto Maple Leafs*
4 - Tampa Bay Lightning*
5 - Florida Panthers
6 - Detroit Red Wings
7 - Montreal Canadiens
8 - Boston Bruins

Metropolitan Division
1 - Pittsburgh Penguins*
2 - Washington Capitals*
3 - New York Rangers*
4 - New York Islanders*
5 - Philadelphia Flyers
6 - Columbus Blue Jackets
7 - Carolina Hurricanes
8 - New Jersey Devils

Central Division
1 - Minnesota Wild*
2 - Nashville Predators*
3 - St. Louis Blues*
4 - Chicago Blackhawks*
5 - Winnipeg Jets
6 - Dallas Stars
7 - Colorado Avalanche

Pacific Division
1 - Anaheim Ducks*
2 - San Jose Sharks*
3 - Edmonton Oilers*
4 - Calgary Flames*
5 - Vegas Golden Knights
6 - Phoenix Coyotes
7 - Los Angeles Kings
8 - Vancouver Canucks

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

The Expansion Draft

Wednesday is when the hockey world will know who will make up the first ever roster for the Vegas Golden Knights. Since everyone is doing a mock expansion draft, I'd figure I'd dive into that sweet expansion content (right after I take my head out of the bucket I just puked in). To mix it up, I'm going to draft two teams. One is who I think Vegas will really pick, and one for who I'd like to see them pick (for whatever reason). Using the exposed rosters from NHL.com and CapFriendly's expansion draft tool (just for the first team), here is who I think Vegas will take, going team-by-team, with both rosters at the end:


Anaheim Ducks


Who I think Vegas will pick: Sami Vatanen (D)


One of the better defensemen available in the draft.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Sami Vatanen (D)


No reason outside of breaking up the Ducks defense a bit. They have prospects who could fill the void, so I'm sure they'll be fine.


Arizona Coyotes


Who I think Vegas will pick: Radim Vrbata (F)


Even at his age, Vrbata can still chip in offensively.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Shane Doan (F)


Last time Doan was drafted the team played one more season then relocated. So welcome the Seattle Easter Eggs for the 2018-2019 season.


Boston Bruins


Who I think Vegas will pick: Colin Miller (D)


Young, serviceable defenseman on a cheap deal.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Dominic Moore (F)


Teams always need second round picks.


Buffalo Sabres


Who I think Vegas will pick: Cody Franson (D)


Probably the best out of the available Sabres defense. Initially had Matt Moulson but I had to revise to meet the nine defensemen criteria.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Cal O'Reilly (F)


First, you get the Cal. Then, you get the Ryan.


Calgary Flames


Who I think Vegas will pick: Kris Versteeg (F)


Veteran player that can be signed for cheap and flipped at the deadline if needed.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Brian Elliott (G)


Give him another chance to start.


Carolina Hurricanes


Who I think Vegas will pick: Lee Stempniak (F)


Much like Vrbata, an older guy who can still chip in offensively.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Erik Karlsson (F)


I want this just for those two seconds hockey twitter freaks out before realizing that it's the other Erik Karlsson.


Chicago Blackhawks


Who I think Vegas will pick: Marcus Kruger (F)


One of the better centers available. He'll likely see more ice time with this Vegas team.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Jeff Glass (G)


Just for the hell of it.


Colorado Avalanche


Who I think Vegas will pick: Mikhail Grigorenko (F)


Young center who still has time to flourish.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Rene Bourque (F)


Vegas can get the full "Almost Bourque" experience.


Columbus Blue Jackets


Who I think Vegas will pick: Sam Gagner (F)


His bounce back season could sway Vegas to pick and sign him.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Jack Johnson (D)


I know there's a deal in place to protect a couple of Blue Jackets (including Johnson), but it would be amazing to see Vegas go full heel and pick Johnson anyway.


Dallas Stars


Who I think Vegas will pick: Dan Hamhuis (D)


Veteran defender, is still serviceable at his age.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Andrew Bodnarchuk (D)


Hey look, a former Halifax Moosehead.


Detroit Red Wings


Who I think Vegas will pick: Petr Mrazek (G)


Despite the down season, has shown he can handle the starting role in net.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Martin Frk (F)


Hey look, another former Halifax Moosehead. Plus it would be nice to see him actually get a shot in the NHL.


Edmonton Oilers


Who I think Vegas will pick: Benoit Pouliot (F)


Can provide depth up front.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Kris Russell (D)


Just to see the Edmonton media meltdown and claim the Oilers will never win another Cup.


Florida Panthers


Who I think Vegas will pick: Jonathan Marchessault (F)


It was a toss-up between him and Jason Demers, either is a good pick. I'm guessing Vegas goes with the guy coming off a 30-goal season.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Jaromir Jagr (F)


We all want this.


Los Angeles Kings


Who I think Vegas will pick: Brayden McNabb (D)


McNabb can provide defensive depth.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Marian Gaborik (F)


The original pick I had but the need for defense changed that. It would be cool to see a guy go through a second expansion team.


Minnesota Wild


Who I think Vegas will pick: Eric Staal (F)


Initially had Vegas pick Matt Dumba, but there are rumors of the Wild ponying-up to protect him. Staal would be a good pick. Even though he isn't the player he once was, Staal knows what its like to play the number one center role, and could provide that need in the short term.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Johan Gustafsson (G)


He seems happy about it.


Montreal Canadiens


Who I think Vegas will pick: Charles Hudon (F)


It was between Hudon and Tomas Plekanec. Hudon seems like the better pick, as he's younger and still developing.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Half of the available roster Alexei Emelin (D)


Take him Vegas! I'll give you a first round pick (even though I'm not an NHL team and don't have any).


Nashville Predators


Who I think Vegas will pick: James Neal (F)


Known player, can play up the lineup.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Mike Fisher (F)


I religious guy in Vegas, what could go wrong?


New Jersey Devils


Who I think Vegas will pick: Michael Cammalleri (F)


Kind of a "best of a bad bunch" scenario with this pick. There isn't much appeal in who is available for the Devils.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Ben Lovejoy (D)


The Reverend in Vegas!


New York Islanders


Who I think Vegas will pick: Ryan Strome (F)


There is uncertainity if there is a deal in place or not. Assuming there is one to protect defenseman, I'm guessing Strome is picked. On the defenseman note, the Islanders protected five and yet still need insurance on protecting more? What the hell was Garth Snow thinking when he made this list?


Who I want Vegas to pick: Jaroslav Halak (G)


You know the old saying: "If you can't beat 'em, wait seven years for the expansion draft for you to take 'em"


New York Rangers


Who I think Vegas will pick: Antti Raanta (G)


Consenus pick. Should get his chance to be the starter.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Tanner Glass (F)


Just for the laughs.


Ottawa Senators


Who I think Vegas will pick: Marc Methot (D)


Playing with Karlsson likely upped his value.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Nikita Filatov (F)


Filly may not do backchecks, but he may do Vegas


Philadelphia Flyers


Who I think Vegas will pick: Matt Read (F)


Best Flyers forward available. Can't see Vegas taking a defenseman, but Michael Neuvirth is a possibility. 


Who I want Vegas to pick: Michael Del Zotto (D)


He may feel more "at home".


Pittsburgh Penguins


Who I think Vegas will pick: Marc-Andre Fleury (G)


There are guys up front (*cough* HAGELIN *cough*) that should probably be taken, but this would be a dagger to a team that has tormented GMGM when he was in control of Washington.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Frank Corrado (D)


He might get playing time.


San Jose Sharks


Who I think Vegas will pick: Joel Ward (F)


Age is against him, but can still provide depth.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Joe Thornton (F)


His four-goal show would be a number one hit in Vegas.


St. Louis Blues


Who I think Vegas will pick: David Perron (F)


Either Perron or Jori Lehtera are good picks.


Who I want Vegas to pick: David Perron (F)


We can all agree to point and laugh at the Blues for protecting Ryan Reeves right?


Tampa Bay Lightning


Who I think Vegas will pick: Andrej Sustr (D)


Needed to pick a defenseman. Is younger than Jason Garrison and has size, GM's drool over size right?


Who I want Vegas to pick: Slater Koekkoek


He'd be Koekkoek over going to Vegas.


Toronto Maple Leafs


Who I think Vegas will pick: Martin Marincin (D)


Another bind where a defenseman was needed. Marincin is pretty serviceable. Wouldn't be too shocked if Eric Fehr is picked.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Joffrey Lupul (F)


Just to get him off Robidas Island. Plus, it seems like he would enjoy Vegas.


Vancouver Canucks


Who I think Vegas will pick: Ryan Miller (G)


The Canucks did not offer up much for Vegas to pick from. Short-term, Miller can help fill the starting role in net. Bonus is that he may like playing in Vegas since it's close to Los Angeles.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Borna Rendulic (F)


Give the Croatian a chance!


Washington Capitals


Who I think Vegas will pick: Karl Alzner (D)


Philipp Grubauer seems to be the consenus and I do agree with that. However, I needed to meet the defense quota. Plus, GMGM is very familiar with Alzner.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Nathan Walker (F)


Give the Aussie a chance!


Winnipeg Jets


Who I think Vegas will pick: Shawn Matthias (F)


Known player, can provide depth.


Who I want Vegas to pick: Toby Enstrom (D)


He doesn't want to go, but pick him anyway. Could turn him into something.


Vegas Golden Knights


Team I think will be picked


Name
Position
Former Team
Michael Cammalleri
Forward
New Jersey Devils
Sam Gagner
Forward
Columbus Blue Jackets
Mikhail Grigorenko
Forward
Colorado Avalanche
Charles Hudon
Forward
Montreal Canadiens
Marcus Kruger
Forward
Chicago Blackhawks
Jonathan Marchessault
Forward
Florida Panthers
Shawn Matthias
Forward
Winnipeg Jets
James Neal
Forward
Nashville Predators
David Perron
Forward
St. Louis Blues
Benoit Pouliot
Forward
Edmonton Oilers
Matt Read
Forward
Philadelphia Flyers
Eric Staal
Forward
Minnesota Wild
Lee Stempniak
Forward
Carolina Hurricanes
Ryan Strome
Forward
New York Islanders
Kris Versteeg
Forward
Calgary Flames
Radim Vrbata
Forward
Arizona Coyotes
Joel Ward
Forward
San Jose Sharks
Karl Alzner
Defense
Washington Capitals
Cody Franson
Defense
Buffalo Sabres
Dan Hamhuis
Defense
Dallas Stars
Martin Marincin
Defense
Toronto Maple Leafs
Brayden McNabb
Defense
Los Angeles
Marc Methot
Defense
Ottawa Senators
Colin Miller
Defense
Boston Bruins
Andrej Sustr
Defense
Tampa Bay Lightning
Sami Vatanen
Defense
Anaheim Ducks
Marc-Andre Fleury
Goalie
Pittsburgh Penguins
Ryan Miller
Goalie
Vancouver Canucks
Petr Mrazek
Goalie
Detroit Red Wings
Antti Raanta
Goalie
New York Rangers


Team I want Vegas to pick


Name
Position
Former Team
Rene Bourque
Forward
Colorado Avalanche
Shane Doan
Forward
Arizona Coyotes
Nikita Filatov
Forward
Ottawa Senators
Mike Fisher
Forward
Nashville Predators
Martin Frk
Forward
Detroit Red Wings
Martin Gaborik
Forward
Los Angeles Kings
Tanner Glass
Forward
New York Rangers
Jaromir Jagr
Forward
Florida Panthers
Erik Karlsson
Forward
Ottawa Senators
Joffrey Lupul
Forward
Toronto Maple Leafs
Dominic Moore
Forward
Boston Bruin
David Perron
Forward
St. Louis Blues
Cal O’Reilly
Forward
Buffalo Sabres
Borna Rendulic
Forward
Vancouver Canucks
Joe Thornton
Forward
San Jose Sharks
Nathan Walker
Forward
Washington Capitals
Andrew Bodnarchuk
Defenseman
Dallas Stars
Frank Corrado
Defenseman
Pittsburgh Penguins
Michael Del Zotto
Defenseman
Philadelphia Flyers
Alexei Emelin
Defenseman
Montreal Canadiens
Toby Enstrom
Defenseman
Winnipeg Jets
Slater Koekkoek
Defenseman
Tampa Bay Lightning
Ben Lovejoy
Defenseman
New Jersey Devils
Kris Russell
Defenseman
Edmonton Oilers
Sami Vatanen
Defenseman
Anaheim Ducks
Brian Elliott
Goalie
Calgary Flames
Jeff Glass
Goalie
Chicago Blackhawks
Jaroslav Halak
Goalie
New York Islanders