NHL Predictions 2016-2017

Atlantic:

Red Wings

Sabers

Maple Leafs

Analysis:

There's a clear-cut top 2 in the Atlantic and it's both Florida teams. Somehow Tampa had an A+ offseason by locking up Stamkos, Hedman, Killorn, and Kucherov. The only question is whether they trade Bishop or not; either way, they'll take the crown in the Atlantic. The new-look Panthers come in at #2. The additions of Yandle and Demers should provide a big boost to the blue line as this young team continues to grow. Next, and probably only there because I'm a Bruins fan, is the Boston Bruins. They just missed out on the playoffs the last two years, but I like the addition of Backes and Rask should hopefully bounce back. They just need to find a top 2 defenseman, which is no easy task. The Canadiens come in at 4; I don't actually think they are that great, but Price will play out of his mind again and lead them to the playoff. The Sens, sneak in as a surprise wild card. They're not getting much attention, but they're certainly a contender for a WC spot. The Wings, Sabers, and Leafs all miss the playoff. Detroit will falter this year and their illustrious playoff streak will finally come to an end. The Sabers are a team on the rise, but they aren't there yet. Austin Matthews should help, but Toronto is still a long way away. 

Metro:

Flyers

Islander

Hurricanes

Blue Jackets

Devils

Analysis:

The Caps, Pens, and Rangers are the only teams that make it in the Metro. However, Philly and the Islanders could very well leapfrog one of the Atlantic wild cards. The top two in the Metro are pretty obvious with the reigning President's Trophy and Stanley Cup winners leading the pack. Most have the Rangers falling off and out of the playoffs, but I still think they can hang in there for one or two more cracks at a Cup. I think the Flyers are really good (Shayne Gostisbehere is awesome!!!!!), so it pains me but I'm going to have to leave them out. The Islanders replaced Okpose, Nielsen, and Martin with Ladd; that's not going to get them any higher in the standings. The Canes, Blue Jackets, and Devils all have pieces that make them possible threats, but i don't foresee them jumping any of the Metro powerhouses just yet. 

Central:

Blues

Wild

Avalanche

Analysis:

The Hawks are the class of the central, but the young guns are gaining on them. The Preds got a steal in the PK Subban deal and they look to boast one of the best defensive corps in the league. Rinne is an issue at goalie, but they're going to be very good this year. The Stars are going to score a boatload of goals, but they're also going to give up a ton, considering the the loss of Goligoski and Demers. The Jets, after a down year, could bounce back in a big way (still waiting on Jacob Trouba though). I'm pegging the Blues to scuffle season do to the mass exodus of forwards during the offseason and Jake Allen's first season as the lone #1. The Wild aren't too bad, but they face the challenge of being in the stacked Central. And the Avs have some skill, but they'll be near the basement of the division. 

Pacific:

Oilers

Coyotes

Canucks

Analysis:

Again, California will run the Pacific. The Kings will top the the Sharks, but the two will be neck and neck the whole way. The Flames fixed their biggest hole at goalie, and that'll be enough to make the playoffs. The Ducks will round out the field. The Oilers are up-and-comers, but they ain't there yet. Same for the Coyotes. The Canucks aren't trending in the right direction. They are going nowhere fast. 

Eastern Conference Final:

Lightning over Penguins

Western Conference Final:

Kings over Predators

Stanley Cup:

Lightning over Kings

Playoff Analysis: The Kings will top the upstart Preds and the Lightning will advance against the former Cup champs (an interesting side note to that series is which goalie matchup we'll see Bishop or vasilevskiy vs. Murray or fleury). In the end, the Lightning will raise the Cup thanks to the core that they brought back over the offseason.