Sharks

West Division

Standard

1. Colorado Avalanche

They proved in the playoffs last year that they are among the best offensive teams in the league.

2. Vegas Golden Knights

Adding a Stanley Cup winner in Alex Pietrangelo on defense shows they are still in a win-now mode for this young franchise.

3. St. Louis Blues

Losing Pietrangelo will hurt, but getting Torey Krug isn’t a bad consolation prize.

4. Minnesota Wild

Their team depth and playing in a weaker division has them primed for a playoff spot.

5. Arizona Coyotes

Too much turmoil in the front office, but the talent is there for playoff contention.

6. Anaheim Ducks

They’re probably another year away from contention, but the offense needs to start showing more progress.

7. San Jose Sharks

Their run for a Cup has come and gone.

8. Los Angeles Kings

The growing pains will continue as will the cap crunch for goalie Jonathan Quick and defenseman Drew Doughty. Continue reading →

Pacific Division

Standard

1. Vegas Golden Knights

A full season with the group they put together during last season should put them at the top.

2. Calgary Flames

They took a big step forward last year, but there are still questions in net.

3. San Jose Sharks

Their captain left via free agency, but they have one of the deepest defensive units in the league.

4. Arizona Coyotes

This is the year they need to put it all together and make a playoff push.

5. Anaheim Ducks

There should be improvements in many areas, but they’re another year away from contention.

6. Los Angeles Kings

The reset button has been hit, but they aren’t going all out for a rebuild just yet.

7. Vancouver Canucks

If their defense and goalie can match what their offense can dish out, they can make a leap in the division.

8. Edmonton Oilers

Not a lot is expected from them and that is a good thing for this franchise. Time to fly under the radar. Continue reading →

Stanley Cup Prediction

Standard

Eastern Conference

1. Tampa Bay Lightning vs. 4. New Jersey Devils

2. Toronto Maple Leafs vs. 3. Boston Bruins

1. Washington Capitals vs. 4. Florida Panthers

2. Pittsburgh Penguins vs. 3. Carolina Hurricanes

Western Conference

1. Nashville Predators vs. 4. Dallas Stars

2. St. Louis Blues vs. 3. Colorado Avalanche

1. Vegas Golden Knights vs. 4. Winnipeg Jets

2. Calgary Flames vs. 3. San Jose Sharks Continue reading →

Stanley Cup Conference Finals Preview

Standard

Eastern Conference

Wild Card #1 vs. Atlantic Division #2

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Boston Bruins

Players to Watch: D Jaccob Slavin and F David Pastrnak

Who Wins: Hurricanes in 7 games

Western Conference

Central Division #3 vs. Pacific Division #2

St. Louis Blues vs. San Jose Sharks

Players to Watch: F Vladimir Tarasenko and D Erik Karlsson

Who Wins: Sharks in 7 games

Stanley Cup Semifinals Preview

Standard

Eastern Conference

Wild Card #2 vs. Atlantic Division #2

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Boston Bruins

Players to Watch: G Sergei Bobrovsky and F Brad Marchand

Who Wins: Bruins in 6 games

Wild Card #1 vs. Metropolitan Division #2

Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Islanders

Players to Watch: F Sebastian Aho and G Robin Lehner

Who Wins: Islanders in 7 games

Western Conference

Wild Card #2 vs. Pacific Division #2

Colorado Avalanche vs. San Jose Sharks

Players to Watch: F Mikko Rantanen and F Tomas Hertl

Who Wins: Avalanche in 6 games

Wild Card #1 vs. Central Division #3

Dallas Stars vs. St. Louis Blues

Players to Watch: G Ben Bishop and G Jordan Binnington

Who Wins: Stars in 6 games