Again, most predictors copy last year’s results. The regular season results in changes down the stretch and in the playoffs as more physical teams take over. Last year I predicted the fall of the late season of sharks and the rise of the flames. Here’s how the new season will play out.
THIS:
1. Washington Capitals – Ovechkin is the best and most determined player in the NHL. Caps are ready for improvement.
2. Philadelphia Flyers: If you can’t beat them in the alley, you can’t beat them on the ice. I’ve always been a fan of the Sabers and therefore didn’t like the Flyers. You just have to love these guys. They will be fun to watch, and depending on how tight the calls are this year, they could go all the way.
3. Buffalo Sabers – OK, I’m a home run. If tight calls go backwards, look for munchkin forwards to do real damage. Ryan Miller and Thomas Vanek have outstanding seasons.
4. Montreal Canadiens – With the Leafs improving, the Canadiens will feel pressure to play a more stable game. They are solid throughout and just need to get their power play back. They will do it with Gómez, Gionta and Cammaleri.
5. Boston Bruins – Tim Thomas’s great goal will keep them in it. I think they are overrated. A few injuries, lack of scoring and headers will keep them low.
6. Pittsburgh Penguins: Tons of talent give way to heartlessness. Crosby will have a super season. Malkin will hesitate. There is not enough space in the house for those two. A bad start could end them.
7. New York Rangers: Like their baseball counterparts, the Yankees, they can buy a championship. However, this year they will be much better and could surprise with their depth and talent.
8. Toronto Maple Leafs – Yes, it finally happens. The Tough Leafs will resemble young flyers. Hockey Night in Canada will be practically unbearable to watch as the band wagon leaps over the Leafs, but they will make the playoffs.
9. New Jersey Devils – Didn’t you notice a small crack in Martin Brodeur’s armor last year? I can’t hit the wide side of the barn with offense.
10. Tampa Bay Lightning – With a slightly better defensive cast, you can’t keep Vinny and Martin St. Louis for long. They could go even higher with a good start.
11. Ottawa Senators – Sorry, I don’t like these guys. Lot of talent. Dirty players and dirty GM.
12. New York Islanders: I like them. This is the beginning of the islanders climb again. Many underrated players and Tavares to lead them.
13. Carolina Hurricanes – OK, Eric Staal and Cam Ward are great. Almost as dirty as the Senators, the Dogs will dive this year. Getting old.
14. Florida Panthers: Ollie and Jay’s ghosts will haunt them. Great AHL team.
15. Atlanta Thrashers – Wouldn’t it be great to see Kovalchuck on a good team? Once every ten games they look great. I think of chicken for good defensive teams.
WEST:
1. Detroit Red Wings – I know, I know, not again. The best managed team in hockey just gets in everyone’s way. So talented and determined in every position. Most teams simply score a loss. Look for Zetterberg to fly very high this year.
2. Calgary Flames – Finally, Canadian fans have something to be happy about. They are fast, rough and seasoned. Jerome finally has some help in better defense. I chose them to go far last year and they will continue to increase.
3. Anaheim Ducks: If they were from New York City or Canada, they would be chosen by all sportswriters. Large ducks squawk at the beaks of most teams. They will be there in the end.
4. Chicago Black Hawks – I wish I could pick them first, but something is missing. Perhaps a veteran striker for leadership. Patrick Kane has big stones for a little boy and he will only get better. Great and hungry.
5. St. Louis Blues – Remember the years of expansion? The Blues were all classy. Guess what? They are again. It will be the most improved team in the NHL.
6. San José Sharks – What? The sixth sharks in the West? I knew they would sink last year and I still think they are overrated. McLellan fired mid-season. The ducks will squash them.
7. Los Angeles Kings – OOO give me the purple Kings offense again. This year they finally come together. Tons of scorers and a good goal direct them.
8. Vancouver Canucks: The best goalkeeper in the league can’t save them from plummeting. Burrows is great, but he doesn’t have much respect for the Sedins.
9. Dallas Stars – Chop Chop. I need to have some toughness and defense. Great body of vanguard and leadership. Inconsistent.
10. Nashville Predators – Many teams wish they had their defense. They might surprise if they just changed their name to Nashville Cats.
11. Colorado Avalanche: some great players. Very cool uniforms. Big fans. Is not sufficient.
12. Phoenix Coyotes – Maybe the Hamilton Tiger Cats? Good young and tough team. Just bad management.
13. Edmonton Oilers – A proud franchise, a history, and great hockey fans. Dommage C’est. They are officially worse than the Leafs now.
14. Minnesota Wild – Hi, I’m Italian. I encourage the reds, greens and whites. Too bad the Italy team can beat them.
15. Columbus Blue Jackets – They play as South Ottawa. Some great players and nothing but a chippy game. Move them to Winnepeg. Although great uniforms.
The Ducks will beat the Flyers in the most memorable Cup final in years. It will be a war.