Christmas is here!!! The puck drops on the 2019-20 season tonight and it’s time for my hair-brained predictions for the season… let’s get at it…
Eastern Conference
Division winners – This one is easy… the Metropolitan will be won by Washington, the Atlantic by Tampa Bay. I don’t see anyone overtaking these two teams.
Playoff teams – Carolina, New Jersey, Boston, Toronto, Florida, New York Islanders.
The upshot – Four playoff teams from each division… If what I am predicting comes true… there will be another Toronto/Boston series in the playoffs, start worrying now Leaf fans.
Under the radar – The Montreal Canadiens… they had 96 points last season and missed the playoffs by two points. It is rare to say that Montreal is under the radar but the focus in Canada is squarely on Toronto… don’t be surprised if the Habs have a quietly solid season and make the playoffs.
Crazy prediction – The Pittsburgh Penguins miss the playoffs and finish behind the Devils, Islanders and Hurricanes in the division.
Random observations - The hype in the east centers in Toronto, I don’t know if I have seen so much hype coming off of a preseason game, but the preview shows are all placing a lot of emphasis on Toronto’s preseason win last Saturday night. The Lightning have a massive chip on their shoulder (as they should) and will be exceedingly dangerous. I think the Philadelphia Flyers will surprise some folks this season and may be in the wild card mix.
Western Conference
Division winners – Vegas and Nashville
Playoff teams – St. Louis, Dallas, Winnipeg, Colorado, Arizona, Calgary.
The upshot – Another year with five teams from the Central, which looks absolutely brutal this year… It is my belief that all five playoff teams could compete for the Central Division title, there are some that add Chicago to that mix… not me.
Under the radar – The Vancouver Canucks… they have been adding solid pieces and developing nicely, given the weakness in the Pacific Division, they could make a serious run at making the playoffs.
Crazy prediction – The San Jose Sharks will miss the playoffs. They have lost a lot… a lot of talent and a lot of leadership. The only thing that may save this team is if the rest of the division drops further.
Random observations – The Edmonton Oilers will be better this season, the addition of Dave TIppett behind the bench will see to that and if that improvement happens faster than anticipated, they may contend for a wild card spot this season… but I see that more next season. The Calgary Flames will be good this year, but they will have a target on their backs that they aren’t used to. I’m not sure the Chicago Blackhawks have what it takes to get back into the playoff mix, a solid offense, injury prone goaltending
Eastern Conference Champ – Tampa Bay Western Conference Champ – Nashville
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Random Notes – Presented by
- Four games on tonight’s schedule including St. Louis getting to raise the banner in their home opener against Washington.
- Tonight lifts the lid on the 102nd season of NHL hockey.
- The Predators are carrying 22 players, one short of the roster limit of 23… can’t help but think it may be alary cap related. The team is tight up against the cap and may be looking at this as a cap management strategy.
- Evander Kane got lucky… really lucky that he only got 3 games for abuse of a referee. Frankly, he should’ve gotten more.
- The new rules for 2019-20 got some clarification from the NHL today, new video reviews, more challenges (maybe) and more complaining…
- Tomorrow’s game is a sellout in Smashville … national TV as the game is on NBCSN.
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SlapShot Radio is back for our 12th season as Zack, Brent and I will be moving the show to Monday night’s this year. The best hour of hockey talk on the longest running hockey show in the southeast will begin the season at 8pm and will settle into our normal 7pm slot after Thanksgiving… Monday’s on 102.5 the Game.
Our sponsor list continues to grow. Not only are we welcoming back Drs. Jane Bacon and Aileen Kruger at Hermitage Family and Cosmetic Dentistry … make your appointment at (615) 872-7762 and our good friend Carter Church, Your Mufreesboro real estate expert with Weichert – The Andrews Group. And our newest sponsors… Cool Springs Wines and Spirits! The largest spirit store in all of middle Tennessee! And La-Z-Boy Nashville! Three locations, locally owned and operated, check out La-Z-Boy in Mufreesboro, Hendersonville and Cool Springs!
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