Today we start the prediction game with the Pacific Division…
#8 Vegas
On the ice…
Watching this team in the preseason it kills me to put them in 8th places because they have shown a ton of spunk and they do have much more talent than I expected them to have. They may not have a killer scorer, but the guys they have are many players who were looking for a fresh start and got a fresh start…AND they have a solid defense and a very GOOD/GREAT goalie. This team benefitted a TON by being the only expansion team entering this year…In past years when the NHL expansion has taken place the NHL has put two teams in at once and the teams have had to split the expansion pool. So just by that simple fact we are seeing a “better than normal… expansion team.
Potential Surprises…. * Shipachyov is a serious NHL player, and will benefit from being a #1 Center out of the box. It matters more to Russians.. * Erik Haula is a game breaker and he has never been lucky enough to get serious time and stay healthy.. * Bellemare was a huge player and reason that Team Europe was so solid in the World Cup. PE is a great two way leader.
In the rumor mill…
This team will be a player at the deadline for sure with several UFA rentals who will be available…and honestly they probably will be a seller even if they are somewhat in the race…
May not finish the season as a Knight.
James Neal: I could see him back in Nashville at the deadline. Jonathan Marchessault: The Knights will try like crazy to extend him and they better…He could score 30 for a second straight year. Montreal LOVES this kid. also… Garrison, Sbisa, Stoner, McNabb, Engelland……All defenders…
Best Case Scenario: This team finishes ahead of Vancouver, Arizona and Los Angeles….and I think it could actually happen…30% Worst Case Scenario: They finish last in the NHL…may not be the worst long term…30% Most Likely: They finish last in the division and are only a few points behind the 7th place team and battle to stay out of the basement. 40%
Crazy Prediction… They are in a playoff position at American Thanksgiving.
I will be back with #7 and on later...sometimes I will just put up one team at a time, sometimes more than one...…