It’s that time of year for NHL predictions, and here are our picks for the top 8 in the West:
1. Vancouver Canucks: Fortunately for Vancouver fans, the Canucks have reached the point where they will do very well throughout the season and most likely win their conference. But the fans want more. They’ve gone to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup and nothing will be satisfying until they win it. We expect the Canucks to have the best record in the West this year, and maybe even have home-team advantage during the playoffs.
2. Detroit Red Wings: There is value in bringing back the same players from last year, and the Red Wings will have the advantage of consistency and experience. Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Daysuk are top players who can carry the team. We expect Detroit to win the Central Division. They may not be deep, but their stars should be able to make a difference.
3. Los Angeles Kings: We have a feeling the Kings will do well this year. We can’t explain why. We imagine that they will be third parties.
4. Anaheim Ducks: We think it’s great to have a regional rivalry between the Kings and the Ducks, and we expect both to battle it out all season. Let’s hope it generates some sparks, some drama, and some interest from fans in Southern California. A high level of competition between the two is predicated on goalie Jonas Hiller recovering and returning to his old self. Otherwise, it will slip a few places in our expectations.
5. Chicago Blackhawks. I’m sorry. We’re not in the Blackhawk carriage. If they freeze, we could be wrong, but for now, we think they’ll disappoint Chicago fans hoping they’ll return to the Stanley Cup hunt in earnest this year.
6. St. Louis Blues. We expect them to make the playoffs, but we wouldn’t be surprised if everything worked out and they finished in the top 4 in the West.
7. San Jose Sharks. We just don’t like new players, who are all in the under-scoring category while on the ice. Various upgrades to other teams will lead to more competition and lower expectations for where they will end up in the Pacific Division. Goaltender Steve Mason is the type of guy who can get hot, so even if the Sharks just make the playoffs, if he starts throwing shutouts, they could make the playoffs.
8. Columbus blue jackets. Eighth place is on the line, and I’m going to take the pick as a home run: the Bluethings will make the playoffs. They got off to a great start last year, and I hope they can start this year well, but also finish well. If I’m wrong, they could lose 5 points or so.
I should really add the Calgary Flames, like if I was really objective and rational I’d pick them against the Columbus Bluewhatevers. But I’m neither objective nor rational, so I’ve made my selections accordingly.
