We’re going to present you with our predictions of this year. Right now it’s only going to be the placement. Tell us what you agree with, what you don’t, and why you think so.
East:
- Pittsburgh
- Washington
- New York Rangers
- Boston Bruins
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Montreal Canadiens
- Ottawa Senators
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Tampa Bay Lightning
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Florida Panthers
- Buffalo Sabres
- New Jersey Devils
- Winnipeg Jets
- New York Islanders
Surprises: Capitals, Everyone predicts them to be in the playoffs, but I’m putting them in the two slot because I believe Ovechkin will have a great season, and Mike Green will go back to the good offensive defenseman he is. With guys like John Carlsson, I think it’ll be a good year for them. The big question is in net. Who will play, and how long can they keep up their pace?
Dissapointment: New Jersey Devils. I don’t think they’ll have a good year at all. I know you guys are going to say Martin Brodeur will be Martin Brodeur, but at his age, I can’t imagine him playing at such high levels after sitting out for so long. I also think Kovy will be a dissapointment as well, so all you fantasy hockey players out there, steer clear.
Western Conference
- Vancouver Canucks
- St. Louis Blues
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Detroit Red Wings
- San Jose Sharks
- Edmonton Oilers
- Los Angeles Kings
- Nashville Predators
- Dallas Stars
- Colorado Avalanche
- Anaheim Ducks
- Phoenix Coyotes
- Minnesota Wild
- Calgary
- Columbus
Surprise: Detroit Red Wings. Like the Caps, everyone has them in the playoffs, but I think they will go pretty high. Even though their defense is weak, having guys like Ericsson, and Smith will help. Also, when your goalie’s name is Jimmy Howard, it’ll be all fine. Besides, Datsyuk and Zetterberg will help in the offense,
Dissapointment: Minnesota. I know they signed Parise and Suter, but you must consider. Besides them and Backstrom, who else do they have? Not much… I consider them overhyped and I feel that their performance this year will show.
Not Your Average Hockey Blog. 
You have Washington higher than New York how?
I have the Caps higher than NYR due to a few reasons. I do believe that the Caps will have a great year this year. I think Ovi will have a good year points wise (30G) and Mike Green will be back in his scoring self. I have the NYR also lower, because historically, teams with many stars like the Rangers do, are unable to clinch the top seed in their first year. I personally think it’s a chemistry thing. Next year, I’d probably put them first or second, but in the first year of “mega-teams” like the NYR, it’s very rare for them to clinch a conference.
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