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In this edition of the hotstove, we predict which Western Conference teams will surprise and exceed the expectations many have for them.
Todd Cordell
I think Winnipeg will finally turn things around this season.
Playing in a very tough division won't help their cause but I really like their roster. They are loaded with star power up front and their bottom-6 could be very good if they consistently play the likes of Kyle Connor, Nic Petan, and Marko Dano rather than loading up on sandpaper.
There is a lot of talent on defense, too, and I think Steve Mason will really help solidify their goaltending position. Even accounting for a down season in 2016-17, Mason has been a top-5 goaltender at 5v5 over the last four years. If he can provide the Jets with close to that caliber of play they'll be in great shape given their ability to fill the net on a nightly basis.
My bonus pick is the Arizona Coyotes. I don't think they'll make the playoffs, but I think they could come a lot closer than many expect. Their forward core is completely revamped, Niklas Hjalmarsson and Jason Demers will really stabilize the defense, and I think Antti Raanta has what it takes to be a good starter.
Peter Tessier
This is going to be a crazy pick but I don’t think the Canucks will be as bad as they are predicted. While they don’t have any elite talent they have acquired enough talent that a new coach with fresh ideas and approach could have a positive effect.
Take that a bit further with some general luck going their way and the Canucks might not be near the bottom of the conference. They will not likely challenge for the postseason but they will give their fans a sense of hope. The fans also have to hope for a few things like good health and some above expectations performances too.
Jared Crozier
Again, one person's surprise could be another person's expectation, but I am going to go with the Dallas Stars.
They have added a dynamic offensive threat in Alexander Radulov who should excel in a secondary scoring role and give them 2 lines that will be a threat to score on any shift. They added a veteran defenseman in Marc Methot who has experience playing with star players and should help John Klingberg much in the same way he supported Erik Karlsson.
But most of all, they have a goalie that will actually be able to stop the puck, and I will guarantee that with Ben Bishop in net they won't allow the second most goals in the NHL this year like they did last season.
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