North Division

1. Vancouver Canucks

It should come as no surprise that Vancouver played as well as they did in the Playoff bubble last season.

2. Toronto Maple Leafs

There is far too much talent on this team to fail once again. But the frustration will grow when the cap crunch comes.

3. Calgary Flames

A few shrewd moves in the offseason have Calgary hoping they solved their glaring issues. Mainly in net.

4. Edmonton Oilers

Expect huge scoring numbers from the offense. The rest of the group needs to be above average or better to clinch a playoff spot.

5. Winnipeg Jets

They could be a sneaky good team with Connor Hellebuyck in net.

6. Montreal Canadiens

A lot has to go right for them once again. Unfortunately they play in a very talented Canadian division.

7. Ottawa Senators

The future is quickly coming for them and this season will be an interesting one to watch. Continue reading →

Atlantic Division

1. Tampa Bay Lightning

They can’t have a repeat of last year and they shouldn’t.

2. Toronto Maple Leafs

This is a crucial year for this group to finally live up to their potential.

3. Boston Bruins

After coming up short in the Stanley Cup final, they’re still contenders once again.

4. Florida Panthers

They have a new goaltender and a Stanley Cup winning coach to go with their high powered offense.

5. Montreal Canadiens

The health of goalie Carey Price will determine their fate this season.

6. Buffalo Sabres

Once again they made a coaching change, but their talent pool is as deep as it’s ever been.

7. Detroit Red Wings

With Steve Yzerman now in charge it’ll be interesting to see how long it takes for them to be contenders.

8. Ottawa Senators

The long rebuild continues north of the border. Continue reading →

Atlantic Division

1. Tampa Bay Lightning

This team is stacked and there’s no reason they shouldn’t get to the Conference Finals again.

2. Toronto Maple Leafs

They won the John Tavares sweepstakes and now they have their eyes set on the Stanley Cup.

3. Boston Bruins

They’re mixing in some good youngsters with their savvy veterans.

4. Florida Panthers

There’s plenty of talent here, but they play in a top tier division that won’t give up the top three spots easily.

5. Buffalo Sabres

They made some savvy moves in the offseason and it should improve their point total quite a bit.

6. Detroit Red Wings

This ‘Hockeytown’ will have to wait another year to be considered potential playoff contenders.

7. Montreal Canadiens

Rebuilding is never easy, especially when you still have one of the best goaltenders in the game.

8. Ottawa Senators

The only thing they will compete for is the number one pick of the draft. Continue reading →

Stanley Cup Prediction

Eastern Conference

1. Montreal Canadiens vs. 4. Ottawa Senators

2. Toronto Maple Leafs vs. 3. Tampa Bay Lightning

1. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. 4. Columbus Blue Jackets

2. Washington Capitals vs. 3. New York Rangers

Western Conference

1. Chicago Blackhawks vs. 4. Dallas Stars

2. Nashville Predators vs. 3. St. Louis Blues

1. Anaheim Ducks vs. 4. Minnesota Wild

2. Edmonton Oilers vs. 3. Calgary Flames

Conference Finals

Canadiens over Penguins

Oilers over Predators

Stanley Cup Finals

Oilers over Canadiens

Atlantic Division

1. Montreal Canadiens

As long as Carey Price remains in net, they will remain atop the division.

2. Toronto Maple Leafs

The young core is getting better at a rapid pace.

3. Tampa Bay Lightning

With the return of Steven Stamkos, Tampa has their sights set on a Cup run.

4. Ottawa Senators

Their playoff run last year was something to marvel. Time to see if they can go further.

5. Boston Bruins

The youth movement has begun in Boston.

6. Buffalo Sabres

Another head coaching change means the Sabres have to get on track quickly.

7. Florida Panthers

A disappointing season means lower expectations, which could bode well for this young, but talented group.

8. Detroit Red Wings

Moving into a new arena always brings optimism, but it will be hard to overlook their flaws. Continue reading →