Unless they can convince Lindstrom to un-retire I expect to see Detroit more in the 6-10 range.

I think there are going to be a lot of kinks to work out on the defense early in the season. Datsyuk and Zetterberg should be ready to go early at least.

I think you mixed up your NE division champs. It's Boston not Buffalo. I'm curious to why you chose Buffalo over Boston? Boston's skilled guys are better than Buffalo's, we have more depth on the bottom 6 and our overall defensive corps is stronger. As of now Miller is better than Tuukka but not for much longer.

This must have been EA Sports simulated.

Ian Esplen: The Prediction- this is Vancouver's year
The Prediction- this is Vancouver's year
- IanEsplen

I'm confused: is Toronto in 15th with or without Lu?

Because I've been guaranteed a playoff spot by a few Canucks fans. Well worth Gardiner, Reilly and a 1st.

I'll agree with you about the Rangers, though. I think they are the team to beat in the east.

I'm confused: is Toronto in 15th with or without Lu?

Because I've been guaranteed a playoff spot by a few Canucks fans. Well worth Gardiner, Reilly and a 1st.

I'll agree with you about the Rangers, though. I think they are the team to beat in the east.
- Atomic Wedgie

Without the boss

I'm confused: is Toronto in 15th with or without Lu?

Because I've been guaranteed a playoff spot by a few Canucks fans. Well worth Gardiner, Reilly and a 1st.

I'll agree with you about the Rangers, though. I think they are the team to beat in the east.
- Atomic Wedgie

You think they're better/deeper than Pittsburgh?

You think they're better/deeper than Pittsburgh?
- LeftCoaster

They were last year, and they've just added Nash.

And I know I will get howls of protest on this, but I've never been a huge fan of Fleury. I think Pittsburgh will always be vulnerable in the playoffs to a high scoring team.

I've got to pick one of the fifteen teams, right? I'm going with the Blueshirts.

Yeah, not the ones with the maple leaf on the front.

You think they're better/deeper than Pittsburgh?
- LeftCoaster

Pittsburgh has a huge question mark in goal. If one of them steps up and plays solid they could win everything. If Fleury has one of his bad streaks and Vokoun doesn't bail them out they might not make the playoffs.

Holy cow, Detroit with the 1 seed?

With that defense?

Not playing- they have played together for what, 5-6 years now. They will be fine without warm ups.

Issue in net?- if by issue you mean two of the best in the league, then yes.

No. 2 C- He'll be there pretty quick. trust me on that
- IanEsplen

How do you know that? And why should we trust you? Ek told you?

Eastern
1 NY Rangers
2 Boston
3 Pittsburgh
4 Philadelphia
5 Washington
6 Buffalo
7 Carolina
8 Winnipeg
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 Ottawa
10 Florida
11 Tampa
12 Montreal
13 Toronto
14 New Jersey
15 NY Islanders

Western
1 St. Louis
2 Los Angeles
3 Vancouver
4 Chicago
5 Minny
6 San Jose
7 Detroit
8 Nashville
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 Colorado
10 Dallas
11 Edmonton
12 Columbus
13 Calgary
14 Anaheim
15 Phoenix

They were last year, and they've just added Nash.

And I know I will get howls of protest on this, but I've never been a huge fan of Fleury. I think Pittsburgh will always be vulnerable in the playoffs to a high scoring team.

I've got to pick one of the fifteen teams, right? I'm going with the Blueshirts.

Yeah, not the ones with the maple leaf on the front.
- Atomic Wedgie

Probably the right choice, just curious is all. That said, if Fleury gets hot, he can be one of the best! I just can't count out a team with Crosby and Malkin on it is all.

Detroit number one and going to the Western Conference Finals? I'll have what you're having.
- YouAreTheGovt

Agreed that's insane.

Pittsburgh has a huge question mark in goal. If one of them steps up and plays solid they could win everything. If Fleury has one of his bad streaks and Vokoun doesn't bail them out they might not make the playoffs.
- noffsin6

Big if, he's been both good and bad...but they've got Malkin and Crosby. Two best forwards in the league.

Holy cow, Detroit with the 1 seed?

With that defense?
- AceRatbang

Yeah I don't see it either.

Having said that I don't think the defense will be as bad as you think. Smith in particular is going to surprise people and Quincey should be better this year. If everyone else steps up a little they should be pretty decent. Nobody is/was going to replace Lindstrom but they should be okay.

Unless they can convince Lindstrom to un-retire I expect to see Detroit more in the 6-10 range.

I think there are going to be a lot of kinks to work out on the defense early in the season. Datsyuk and Zetterberg should be ready to go early at least.
- noffsin6

And no Holmstrom either? My guess is the PP takes a serious hit this year.

Oilers out??
I don't think so. In fact, I predict they actually end up over the Wings. I fear this team (most have been playing thru the lockout) more than the Canucks and Wings.
Mark this down.

Yeah I don't see it either.

Having said that I don't think the defense will be as bad as you think. Smith in particular is going to surprise people and Quincey should be better this year. If everyone else steps up a little they should be pretty decent. Nobody is/was going to replace Lindstrom but they should be okay.
- noffsin6

Have you factored in an additional 5 losses from Monster in net as your backup for 5 games?

I must confess: I'm more curious about what is going to happen this summer than what happens this year with most teams.

It's going to be a wild, wacky summer.

Ian Esplen: The Prediction- this is Vancouver's year
The Prediction- this is Vancouver's year
- IanEsplen

Did you get help from dshiddy on this prediction?

Did you get help from dshiddy on this prediction?
- imsorry66

Well look who crawled outta his hole...welcome back!

And no Holmstrom either? My guess is the PP takes a serious hit this year.
- cryptical77

The powerplay will take a hit without both Holmstrom and Lindstrom but Holmstrom was too much of a liability 5 on 5 last year. Hard to keep him on the roster just to play on the powerplay.

Well look who crawled outta his hole...welcome back!
- LeftCoaster

Refused to enter this site or any other hockey site until lockout was over.

Refused to enter this site or any other hockey site until lockout was over.
- imsorry66

Nice rack...as always.

PS: I'm only being nice for a couple of posts, then I'm all over you like white on rice!

Have you factored in an additional 5 losses from Monster in net as your backup for 5 games?

I must confess: I'm more curious about what is going to happen this summer than what happens this year with most teams.

It's going to be a wild, wacky summer.
- Atomic Wedgie

Well almost everybody gets a little better when they leave Toronto. And the Wings do fine with semi decent goalies who let in an occasional really bad goal (see Osgood, Chris). I'd knock it down to 1-3 additional losses.

Same blog, just different season... cut and paste

No prediction until rosters are finalized... would take #8 for Chicago at this point...