#8 NJ Devils
On the ice…
These are not you parent’s NJ Devils. They may not have the success of the past but I will absolutely be tuning in to see them play more than I would have back in the day. These New Jersey Devils are young, fast and offensive minded. Between Zacha and Hischier you have two of the finest young forwards in the game. Drew Stafford is a great pick up as well and Marcus Johansson will thrive in NJ. They could easily finish higher than eighth, but with so many new moving parts it is truly hard to predict if they are “a year or two away… or “the best kept secret in hockey.…
All I can say is remember this each time you find them on center ice and watch them.
Potential Surprises…. * Jimmy Hayes may have found his spot on this team. This is his game. * Mirco Muller was a quiet pickup from San Jose, but he brings a lot to the Devils D.
In the rumor mill…
If they are out of it they will probably land at least a 2nd for Drew Stafford at the deadline…
Best Case Scenario: NJ sees youth served and is an exciting bubble playoff team: 25% Worst Case: Schneider goes down for an extended period of time and they can’t recover: 15% Most Likely: They finish 6,7, or 8….60%
Crazy Prediction… Taylor Hall and Nico Hischier find crazy chemistry and each player hits 80 points.
#7 Carolina Hurricanes
On the ice…
Carolina is another team that could surprise everyone…The addition of Darling could be big for them long term, but does it matter short term? Goaltending wasn’t their issue last year. Inexperience was and could still be. The Canes have talent, there is no question about it, as management has done a great job of building this team. However, they remind me a little of Buffalo year ago. Getting better but still not there yet. Many out there are picking them to finish much higher then I am picking them. They went on a great run at the end of last season, and I think that is steering people to believe they are better than they are.
Potential Surprises…. * Few teams are more primed to make a run at Matt Duchene. * Derek Ryan was added from the Swedish league and had a phenomenal preseason…
In the rumor mill…
Cam Ward could be moved at any point if Darling really does take over the #1 spot.
Best Case Scenario: Carolina sneaks into the playoffs: 20% Worst Case: They show moments of greatness in moments of great inconsistencies and finish bottom three in the division: 35% Most Likely: Finish above New Jersey: 45%
Crazy Prediction… Jordan Staal is moved…
# 6 NY Rangers
On the ice…
Rangers fans can rejoice.
Whenever I pick the Rangers to not make the playoffs....they have a fantastic year. So you are welcome.
In all honesty I see the 4,5 and 6 teams as pretty much a dead heat. I see an aging number one goalie with a backup who is more inconsistent than any backups the Rangers have had in quite some time.
The Rangers last year came out of the gate flying in scoring goals from everywhere. It is tough to rely on “goals by committee… and the Rangers saw that in the playoffs. They should’ve had a relatively easy path to the Conference Finals. Montreal and Ottawa did not look like world beaters, And yet the Rangers struggled early against Montreal and couldn’t get by the Senators.
Shattenkirk will help for sure, but by how much?
Again, and I can’t stress this enough, every time I think the Rangers aren’t going to be strong they have great seasons. The last time I pick them out of the playoffs...They went to the Cup Final.
Potential Surprises…. * Filip Chytil, an 18 yo Czech has made the team and may see serious minutes. * Rick Nash is due for a monster year….he generally goes good/bad/good. * Desharnais rebirth could happen…he had bad issues in Montreal, but really looked to fit in with this group.
In the rumor mill…
Rick Nash could be this year’s Shattenkirk…moved at the deadline even if the Rangers are still in it.
Best Case Scenario: The Rangers finish 3rd and make the playoffs once again: 30% Worst Case: The Rangers suffer some injuries to key players and their third and fourth line depth falters: 15% Most Likely: The Rangers are a bubble playoff team…4,5,6 55%
#5. The Philadelphia Flyers…
On the ice…
In some ways the Flyers are very similar to the Carolina Hurricanes. Both teams have a great deal of young talent, the difference being the Flyers have more established star players. Granted, some of those players had off years last year, but each had reasons for their off years and I don’t yet believe Giroux and Voracek are “over the hill.…
Wayne Simmonds is another player that separates the Flyers from some in this division and he has shown good chemistry with second overall pick Nolan Patrick. The Flyers are a much deeper team than most people realize, but they are starting out with as many as 5 rookies in the lineup.
Goaltending can always be pointed to in Philly, but between Neuvirth and Elliott there should be enough there to steal a few games…Neuvirth reminds me a lot of Bobrovsky when he was in Philly. Injuries killed his momentum, but time will tell with Neuvirth…
Potential Surprises…. * Travis Konecny may have played a year too early in the NHL, but he is a potential NHL star in the making. * Jori Lehtera… He came over in the Brayden Schenn deal and the Flyers were acting like they stole him away. He may or may not earn that. * Oskar Lindblom will start the season in the AHL…but probably will have an impact at some point. * Sam Morin has looked really good and is fighting for a job…
In the rumor mill…
Either Neuvirth or Elliott could be moved if everything breaks a certain way…Look for Filppula to be in play at the deadline…
Best Case Scenario: The Flyers get it together and truly look like a top team again finishing in the top 3: 25% Worst Case: Goaltending and the Vets let them down and they fall to 7th: 10% Most Likely: Like the Rangers…a bubble team…4,5,6 65%
Sorry for the short version of the top four but chasing rumors has taken up my day and I have run out of time!
# 4 Washington Capitals
The Caps have plenty of talent, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they focus less on the regular season. The loss of Alzner will be big.
#3 NY Islanders
I feel everyone is underestimating just how good these young players are because there’s been so much turmoil surrounding the team. Sometimes overcoming obstacles can lead to good things.
#2 Columbus
I think the addition of Panarin will help this already high powered scoring team. They are the youngest team in the NHL but one of the most solid from top to bottom.
#1 the Penguins.
Pittsburgh is a definite champion, and they’re only getting better as they go. Until someone takes it from them the Stanley Cup is theirs.
Tomorrow the Central Division
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— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) August 2, 2017