Eastern Conference
Northeast Division
1.) Boston Bruins (2)
The only real question for the Bruins is if Tukka Rask can adequately replace Tim Thomas as starter. Rask has played well in limited action, but this is more than limited action. If he has a slow start, it will be interesting to see the reaction. The rest of the team is still the deepest, best 5-5 team in the NHL, in a weak division.
2.) Buffalo Sabres (8)
The Sabres are top-heavy and young, but the young players aren't the good ones. Not sure if this is a good thing or not. If they get good performances from Vanek, Pomminville, Ott, Stafford, and the venerable Ryan Miller, they should be close to a playoff team once again. This time I think they sneak in.
3.) Ottawa Senators
4.) Montreal Canadiens
5.) Toronto Maple Leafs
The Senators were a great story last year that I think was a little over its head. Their future is still very bright though. The Canadiens and Leafs need to both regroup. It will be interesting to monitor what the Leafs do after firing Brian Burke last week.
Southeast Division
1.) Carolina Hurricanes (3)
The Hurricanes are lucky that they are in the NHL's worst division, because their lack of defenseman or right wingers might be a bigger problem in other divisions. The Hurricanes had a high risk/reward offseason. Trading for Jordan Staal does wonders for their depth, and possibly could rejuvenate Eric Staal as well. The signing of Semin could work out great, and I am of the mind it does. They are really good offensively, but their defense could kill them.
2.) Washington Capitals (6)
The Capitals return essentially the same team from last year minus Semin. I still think the switch to Adam Oates as coach will reinvigorate their offensive talent, maybe ever return Ovechkin to a truly great player once again. The Capitals now have their goalie as well. They aren't deep enough to compete with the top of the conference, but that easy division helps as well.
3.) Tampa Bay Lightning
4.) Florida Panthers
5.) Winnipeg Jets
The Lightning have premier talent, but not enough depth offensively or defensively to really challenge. The Panthers were a great story last year winning the division with a great second half, and came extremely close to taking out the Devils in the 1st Round, but the Panthers were over their head last year. I mean every team can't make it back to the playoffs. The Jets are still a few years away.
Atlantic Division
1.) New York Rangers (1)
The Rangers are loaded. If the pieces work, they are the best team in the NHL. They have a possibly league-best top line with Richards, Gaborik and Nash. They have great youth in Kreider, Hagelin, Del Zotto, McDonagh. They have great depth in Stralman, Callahan, Rupp, Girardi. And of course they have one of the best goalies in the game. They are a great team. It all matters what happens in April-June.
2.) Philadelphia Flyers (4)
The Flyers were a disaster in their 2nd Round loss to the Devils, but that belied the fact that they have the nucleus of a really solid team. A full year from young guys like Schenn, Coutorier and Voracek can be a big boost to their premier talent of Giroux, Brier and Hartnell. Their defense still needs a lot of work, and their top two are both aging (Pronger and Timonen). Their goalie is always in flux. Basically, they are a high variance version of the Rangers.
3.) Pittsburgh Penguins (5)
I actually think the loss of Staal will be meaningfull. The scariest part of the Penguins was their three great centers. Their 3rd line is greatly diminished, and it hurts the Penguins ability to pair Malkin and Crosby together as they do from time to time. That said, they still have two of the five best players in the NHL, among a lot of talented offensive players. Their defense is bad, and their goalie doesn't help, but as long as they have Crosby and Malkin healthy, they are close to a lock for the playoffs.
4.) New Jersey Devils (7)
Even with losing Parise, in any other division in the East, the Devils would be close to a lock for the playoffs. Picking them to make it back is tough in a division-weighted schedule, but I think they still are too good. They were a really good #6 seed last year (tied for 4th in the conference), so there is a margin for error. I think the short season will help Brodeur, and some of their older offensive talent like Elias. This team is still dangerous.
5.) New York Islanders
The pieces are there, but they need to add more and get them seasoned. Being in the NHL's best division won't help, but the Devils are close to the end of their run, and the Islanders should and probably will, be poised to take their place.
Western Conference
Central Division
1.) Chicago Blackhawks (1)
The Blackhawks aren't as deep as they were in their Cup winning year (that team was loaded), but their youth and depth should keep them really competitive. Toews and Kane should continue to be great, and Marian Hossa should be good coming off an extended offseason. The only real question is in goal, as I don't totally trust Corey Crawford.
2.) St. Louis Blues (4)
Everyone loves this team, and I'm not sure why. I'll preface it by saying that I think they are a very good team, but they have trouble scoring goals at times, and chances are Brian Elliot and Jaroslav Halak don't combine to be Martin Brodeur circa 2003. Their offense is built to win a bunch of 3-2 or 2-1 type games, and if they have one dry spell, that can doom their chances at winning the division.
3.) Detroit Red Wings (7)
Watching the Red Wings without Lidstrom will be interesting. A lot of pressure will be on Jonathan Ericsson to pick up the slack. I have questions about this teams age with their forwards, but the Red Wings will always be competitive. Much like the Yankees, the end might be near for this group, but until proven otherwise, it is a smart bet to pick them to at least make the playoffs.
4.) Nashville Predators
5.) Columbus Blue Jackets
The Predators have been on a great run in recent years, but I think the loss of Ryan Suter will be felt. They are deep, but are a poor man's St. Louis Blues. I can't pick every team to make it back to the playoffs, and I think the Preds get left behind. The Blue Jackets are a few years away after finally relenting and trading away Rick Nash.
Northwest Division
1.) Vancouver Canucks (2)
Depth still makes this team very good. The Sedins are still there and in their prime. They still have enough talent outside of them in Higgins, Burrows, Hansen, and their defenseman are still solid offensively. There are definite questions in goal, but in a weak division, they should pile up enough points to contend for another #1 seed.
2.) Edmonton Oilers (6)
Call it a gut instinct, but I think the Oilers pull a 2008 Tampa Bay Rays type revival here. This team is just loaded with young talent, and if guys like Nugent-Hopkins, Gagner, Eberle, Hall and Schulz raise their game (not to mention rookie #1 pick Nail Yakupov), this team should be able to score enough goals in a weak division to make it to the playoffs. I really hope they do also, because Edmonton playoff crowds (much like any Canadian playoff crowd) are great.
3.) Minnesota Wild
4.) Calgary Flames
5.) Colorado Avalanche
That's right, I'm picking the offseason champions, the team that signed Parise and Suter, to miss the playoffs. I just don't think there is enough there outside of those two for them to make up for it. The Flames are stuck in that 9-12th place region, which is death in any sport. The Avalanche are in the right direction, but still are a year or two away.
Pacific Division
1.) Los Angeles Kings (3)
The Champs might do what they did last year, and sleep their way to a lower seed and try to turn it up again, but this division isn't any stronger, and the Kings were really good in the 2nd half of the season last year. I think they'll keep it going this season for the entire year to a point. The division isn't easy enough to win easily, but they have the most talent at forward and defensemen.
2.) Phoenix Coyotes (5)
I trust Mike Smith. I trust Dave Tippett's system in Phoenix. I trust their offense to score enough goals to make the playoffs, and I trust their defense, headed by Oliver Ekman-Larsson, to play well enough. The Coyotes are a slightly better version of the Predators, and a slightly worse version of the Blues, and that is why I think they'll finish right between them.
3.) Anaheim Ducks (8)
The Ducks have been an every other year type of team, and I think this season they get back to the playoffs. Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry almost have to be better than they were last year, and if they are, and if Bobby Ryan has another nice year, they should have enough offense to get in. I really like the pickup of Sheldon Souray, which should add some punch to that power play as well.
4.) San Jose Sharks
5.) Dallas Stars
The Golden Era of Sharks Hockey, I think, is about to come to a close. Their best players are aging, and their once stocked farm-system is pretty barren right now. I don't trust Antti Niemi, or most of that defense anyway. The Stars are a year or two away, but they have a nice core headed by the ever-underrated Louis Erickson.
Projected Playoff Seedings
East
1.) New York Rangers
2.) Boston Bruins
3.) Carolina Hurricanes
4.) Philadelphia Flyers
5.) Pittsburgh Penguins
6.) Washington Redskins
7.) New Jersey Devils
8.) Buffalo Sabres
First Round
(1) Rangers over (8) Sabres in 6
(7) Devils over (2) Bruins in 7
(3) Hurricanes over (6) Capitals in5
(4) Flyers over (5) Penguins in 6
Second Round
(1) Rangers over (7) Devils in 7
(3) Hurricanes over (4) Flyers in 6
Eastern Conference Finals
(3) Hurricanes over (1) Rangers in 7
West
1.) Chicago Blackhawks
2.) Vancouver Canucks
3.) Los Angeles Kings
4.) St. Louis Blues
5.) Phoenix Coyotes
6.) Edmonton Oilers
7.) Detroit Red Wings
8.) Anaheim Ducks
First Round
(1) Blackhawks over (8) Ducks in 6
(2) Canucks over (7) Red Wings in 5
(6) Oilers over (3) Kings in 6
(5) Coyotes over (4) Blues in 7
Second Round
(1) Blackhawks over (6) Oilers in 6
(2) Canucks over (5) Coyotes in 7
Western Conference Finals
(1) Blackhawks over (2) Canucks in 6
Stanley Cup Finals
(W1) Blackhawks over (E3) Hurricanes in 6
Northeast Division
1.) Boston Bruins (2)
The only real question for the Bruins is if Tukka Rask can adequately replace Tim Thomas as starter. Rask has played well in limited action, but this is more than limited action. If he has a slow start, it will be interesting to see the reaction. The rest of the team is still the deepest, best 5-5 team in the NHL, in a weak division.
2.) Buffalo Sabres (8)
The Sabres are top-heavy and young, but the young players aren't the good ones. Not sure if this is a good thing or not. If they get good performances from Vanek, Pomminville, Ott, Stafford, and the venerable Ryan Miller, they should be close to a playoff team once again. This time I think they sneak in.
3.) Ottawa Senators
4.) Montreal Canadiens
5.) Toronto Maple Leafs
The Senators were a great story last year that I think was a little over its head. Their future is still very bright though. The Canadiens and Leafs need to both regroup. It will be interesting to monitor what the Leafs do after firing Brian Burke last week.
Southeast Division
1.) Carolina Hurricanes (3)
The Hurricanes are lucky that they are in the NHL's worst division, because their lack of defenseman or right wingers might be a bigger problem in other divisions. The Hurricanes had a high risk/reward offseason. Trading for Jordan Staal does wonders for their depth, and possibly could rejuvenate Eric Staal as well. The signing of Semin could work out great, and I am of the mind it does. They are really good offensively, but their defense could kill them.
2.) Washington Capitals (6)
The Capitals return essentially the same team from last year minus Semin. I still think the switch to Adam Oates as coach will reinvigorate their offensive talent, maybe ever return Ovechkin to a truly great player once again. The Capitals now have their goalie as well. They aren't deep enough to compete with the top of the conference, but that easy division helps as well.
3.) Tampa Bay Lightning
4.) Florida Panthers
5.) Winnipeg Jets
The Lightning have premier talent, but not enough depth offensively or defensively to really challenge. The Panthers were a great story last year winning the division with a great second half, and came extremely close to taking out the Devils in the 1st Round, but the Panthers were over their head last year. I mean every team can't make it back to the playoffs. The Jets are still a few years away.
Atlantic Division
1.) New York Rangers (1)
The Rangers are loaded. If the pieces work, they are the best team in the NHL. They have a possibly league-best top line with Richards, Gaborik and Nash. They have great youth in Kreider, Hagelin, Del Zotto, McDonagh. They have great depth in Stralman, Callahan, Rupp, Girardi. And of course they have one of the best goalies in the game. They are a great team. It all matters what happens in April-June.
2.) Philadelphia Flyers (4)
The Flyers were a disaster in their 2nd Round loss to the Devils, but that belied the fact that they have the nucleus of a really solid team. A full year from young guys like Schenn, Coutorier and Voracek can be a big boost to their premier talent of Giroux, Brier and Hartnell. Their defense still needs a lot of work, and their top two are both aging (Pronger and Timonen). Their goalie is always in flux. Basically, they are a high variance version of the Rangers.
3.) Pittsburgh Penguins (5)
I actually think the loss of Staal will be meaningfull. The scariest part of the Penguins was their three great centers. Their 3rd line is greatly diminished, and it hurts the Penguins ability to pair Malkin and Crosby together as they do from time to time. That said, they still have two of the five best players in the NHL, among a lot of talented offensive players. Their defense is bad, and their goalie doesn't help, but as long as they have Crosby and Malkin healthy, they are close to a lock for the playoffs.
4.) New Jersey Devils (7)
Even with losing Parise, in any other division in the East, the Devils would be close to a lock for the playoffs. Picking them to make it back is tough in a division-weighted schedule, but I think they still are too good. They were a really good #6 seed last year (tied for 4th in the conference), so there is a margin for error. I think the short season will help Brodeur, and some of their older offensive talent like Elias. This team is still dangerous.
5.) New York Islanders
The pieces are there, but they need to add more and get them seasoned. Being in the NHL's best division won't help, but the Devils are close to the end of their run, and the Islanders should and probably will, be poised to take their place.
Western Conference
Central Division
1.) Chicago Blackhawks (1)
The Blackhawks aren't as deep as they were in their Cup winning year (that team was loaded), but their youth and depth should keep them really competitive. Toews and Kane should continue to be great, and Marian Hossa should be good coming off an extended offseason. The only real question is in goal, as I don't totally trust Corey Crawford.
2.) St. Louis Blues (4)
Everyone loves this team, and I'm not sure why. I'll preface it by saying that I think they are a very good team, but they have trouble scoring goals at times, and chances are Brian Elliot and Jaroslav Halak don't combine to be Martin Brodeur circa 2003. Their offense is built to win a bunch of 3-2 or 2-1 type games, and if they have one dry spell, that can doom their chances at winning the division.
3.) Detroit Red Wings (7)
Watching the Red Wings without Lidstrom will be interesting. A lot of pressure will be on Jonathan Ericsson to pick up the slack. I have questions about this teams age with their forwards, but the Red Wings will always be competitive. Much like the Yankees, the end might be near for this group, but until proven otherwise, it is a smart bet to pick them to at least make the playoffs.
4.) Nashville Predators
5.) Columbus Blue Jackets
The Predators have been on a great run in recent years, but I think the loss of Ryan Suter will be felt. They are deep, but are a poor man's St. Louis Blues. I can't pick every team to make it back to the playoffs, and I think the Preds get left behind. The Blue Jackets are a few years away after finally relenting and trading away Rick Nash.
Northwest Division
1.) Vancouver Canucks (2)
Depth still makes this team very good. The Sedins are still there and in their prime. They still have enough talent outside of them in Higgins, Burrows, Hansen, and their defenseman are still solid offensively. There are definite questions in goal, but in a weak division, they should pile up enough points to contend for another #1 seed.
2.) Edmonton Oilers (6)
Call it a gut instinct, but I think the Oilers pull a 2008 Tampa Bay Rays type revival here. This team is just loaded with young talent, and if guys like Nugent-Hopkins, Gagner, Eberle, Hall and Schulz raise their game (not to mention rookie #1 pick Nail Yakupov), this team should be able to score enough goals in a weak division to make it to the playoffs. I really hope they do also, because Edmonton playoff crowds (much like any Canadian playoff crowd) are great.
3.) Minnesota Wild
4.) Calgary Flames
5.) Colorado Avalanche
That's right, I'm picking the offseason champions, the team that signed Parise and Suter, to miss the playoffs. I just don't think there is enough there outside of those two for them to make up for it. The Flames are stuck in that 9-12th place region, which is death in any sport. The Avalanche are in the right direction, but still are a year or two away.
Pacific Division
1.) Los Angeles Kings (3)
The Champs might do what they did last year, and sleep their way to a lower seed and try to turn it up again, but this division isn't any stronger, and the Kings were really good in the 2nd half of the season last year. I think they'll keep it going this season for the entire year to a point. The division isn't easy enough to win easily, but they have the most talent at forward and defensemen.
2.) Phoenix Coyotes (5)
I trust Mike Smith. I trust Dave Tippett's system in Phoenix. I trust their offense to score enough goals to make the playoffs, and I trust their defense, headed by Oliver Ekman-Larsson, to play well enough. The Coyotes are a slightly better version of the Predators, and a slightly worse version of the Blues, and that is why I think they'll finish right between them.
3.) Anaheim Ducks (8)
The Ducks have been an every other year type of team, and I think this season they get back to the playoffs. Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry almost have to be better than they were last year, and if they are, and if Bobby Ryan has another nice year, they should have enough offense to get in. I really like the pickup of Sheldon Souray, which should add some punch to that power play as well.
4.) San Jose Sharks
5.) Dallas Stars
The Golden Era of Sharks Hockey, I think, is about to come to a close. Their best players are aging, and their once stocked farm-system is pretty barren right now. I don't trust Antti Niemi, or most of that defense anyway. The Stars are a year or two away, but they have a nice core headed by the ever-underrated Louis Erickson.
Projected Playoff Seedings
East
1.) New York Rangers
2.) Boston Bruins
3.) Carolina Hurricanes
4.) Philadelphia Flyers
5.) Pittsburgh Penguins
6.) Washington Redskins
7.) New Jersey Devils
8.) Buffalo Sabres
First Round
(1) Rangers over (8) Sabres in 6
(7) Devils over (2) Bruins in 7
(3) Hurricanes over (6) Capitals in5
(4) Flyers over (5) Penguins in 6
Second Round
(1) Rangers over (7) Devils in 7
(3) Hurricanes over (4) Flyers in 6
Eastern Conference Finals
(3) Hurricanes over (1) Rangers in 7
West
1.) Chicago Blackhawks
2.) Vancouver Canucks
3.) Los Angeles Kings
4.) St. Louis Blues
5.) Phoenix Coyotes
6.) Edmonton Oilers
7.) Detroit Red Wings
8.) Anaheim Ducks
First Round
(1) Blackhawks over (8) Ducks in 6
(2) Canucks over (7) Red Wings in 5
(6) Oilers over (3) Kings in 6
(5) Coyotes over (4) Blues in 7
Second Round
(1) Blackhawks over (6) Oilers in 6
(2) Canucks over (5) Coyotes in 7
Western Conference Finals
(1) Blackhawks over (2) Canucks in 6
Stanley Cup Finals
(W1) Blackhawks over (E3) Hurricanes in 6
