In this edition we share our bold picks pertaining to Eastern Conference teams or players.
Todd Cordell: Steve Mason will be a Vezina finalist People have poked fun at Mason because of how his days ended in Columbus but he's actually been very good in Philadelphia.
Over the last two seasons he has posted a .934SV% during 5 vs 5 play, which is good for 3rd in the NHL in that span behind only Carey Price and Tuukka Rask.
I think the Flyers will play a more structured system under new head coach Dave Hakstol and enjoy (a little?) more success as a result. If that's the case I expect Mason will be able to contend for the Vezina.
Tim Chiasson: Pittsburgh wins the East Admittedly, I'm a massive Crosby fan - which leads me to my bold prediction.
The Penguins are going to stay healthy and absolutely steamroll the Eastern Conference with an offensive attack that hasn't been seen in over a decade.
I don't really care where they finished last year, injuries are a significant hindrance to a team. Just take a second to skim through the Blackhawks injuries compared to the Penguins over Chicago's modern-day dynasty. You'll find some interesting statistics.
There is no team, while healthy, that is better than the Penguins in the Eastern Conference and they're going to prove that this season. Crosby and Malkin are just too good.
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