Eastern Conference
1. New York Rangers vs. 4. Florida Panthers
2. Washington Capitals vs. 3. New York Islanders
1. Montreal Canadiens vs. 4. Pittsburgh Penguins
2. Tampa Bay Lightning vs. 3. Boston Bruins
Western Conference
1. Anaheim Ducks vs. 4. Minnesota Wild
2. Calgary Flames vs. 3. Los Angeles Kings
1. Nashville Predators vs. 4. Dallas Stars
2. St. Louis Blues vs. 3. Chicago Blackhawks
Conference Finals
Capitals over Canadiens
Ducks over Blackhawks
Stanley Cup Finals
Ducks over Capitals
1. New York Rangers
A few roster tweaks still has them atop the Eastern Conference.
2. Washington Capitals
The team is buying in to what head coach Barry Trotz is selling.
3. New York Islanders
They’ll have a new home and a new fire to get back into the playoffs.
4. Pittsburgh Penguins
Adding another top tier scorer keeps them in contention.
5. Columbus Blue Jackets
The grittiest team in the division always seems to find a way.
6. Philadelphia Flyers
Their looking for a new identity after another head coaching change.
7. New Jersey Devils
A new era is beginning and there are some encouraging signs.
8. Carolina Hurricanes
They have yet to find a franchise cog in net for quite some time. Continue reading
1. Montreal Canadiens
Now is the time for them to capitalize on Carey Price and P.K. Subban being in their prime.
2. Tampa Bay Lightning
A tough Stanley Cup series should help them stay in contention.
3. Boston Bruins
Salary cap casualties shouldn’t derail any hopes of making the playoffs.
4. Florida Panthers
The young nucleus is coming together at the right time to surprise some opponents.
5. Detroit Red Wings
A new voice behind the bench will cause some bumps in the road.
6. Ottawa Senators
There’s a lot of talent, but it needs to come together first.
7. Toronto Maple Leafs
A new coach and front office will begin the long rebuilding project.
8. Buffalo Sabres
Getting Jack Eichel was a nice consolation prize. Continue reading
1. Nashville Predators
They weren’t supposed to be contenders last year, but they’re now ahead of the curve.
2. St. Louis Blues
Stability in the crease will go towards whether they stay in the playoffs long term.
3. Chicago Blackhawks
The defending champs lost some key pieces, but you can’t count them out.
4. Dallas Stars
Some key acquisitions should mean a leap into the playoffs.
5. Minnesota Wild
Staying pat keeps them in contention in a tough division.
6. Colorado Avalanche
A draft day trade shook things up to put Colorado in a bounce back position.
7. Winnipeg Jets
Too many better teams for them to repeat last years success. Continue reading
1. Anaheim Ducks
This is the last chance for Bruce Boudreau to get the Ducks into a Cup Final.
2. Calgary Flames
The surprise team in the NHL last year will build on that momentum.
3. Los Angeles Kings
Having a year off will help this group of veterans recoup for another playoff run.
4. Vancouver Canucks
They were sneaky good last year, but that early playoff exit will sting.
5. San Jose Sharks
The wheels came off quickly and a rebuilt goaltending position won’t help this year.
6. Edmonton Oilers
When will all this top tier talent live up to their potential?
7. Arizona Coyotes
A tumultuous offseason with the city and ownership arguing over the stadium lease won’t help the on-ice product. Continue reading
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