It's that time of the year again. You know...the time we sit anxiously with bated breath waiting for EA Sports to release its upcoming season prediction? Yeah, that time of the year.
This season's results are both comedic and somewhat sickening, especially for fans of the
Montreal Canadiens. In a twisted bit of irony, the
Nashville Predators defeat the Canadiens for the franchises first Stanley Cup.
Per EASports.com....
After perhaps one of the biggest one-for-one deals in NHL history, Shea Weber and the Montreal Canadiens find themselves against P.K. Subban and the Nashville Predators. The Nashville Predators continue their regular season dominance (won President's Trophy in Sim) and win the Stanley Cup Finals in Game 6. Filip Forsberg takes home the Conn Smythe Trophy as Playoff MVP after registering 26 points in the postseason.
Sorry Montreal...I too would feel a bit ill if this actually happened.
But, what about the
San Jose Sharks? How did they do? If they didn't make the Cup Final, where does EA see them finishing?
How about winning their first Pacific Division title since 2010-11?
The Anaheim Ducks get off to a slow start and are the only team from the Western Conference to not return to the Playoffs. The Vancouver Canucks finish in last place in the NHL, landing the best odds to select first overall in the 2017 NHL Draft.
1. San Jose Sharks – 107 pts
2. Los Angeles Kings – 93 pts
3. Edmonton Oilers – 85 pts
4. Calgary Flames – 84 pts
5. Arizona Coyotes – 83 pts
6. Anaheim Ducks – 77 pts
7. Vancouver Canucks – 63 pts
How about a seven game first round take-down of the St. Louis Blues?
How about a second round undressing of
Connor McDavid and the upstart Edmonton Oilers?
How about a frustrating six game loss to the eventual Cup Champs in the Conference Finals? That's right. The Sharks make it all the way back to the Western Conference Finals but fall short to
Subban and the Preds.
Just reading that gave me the willy's. I just don't see it happening. The regular season is a long grind with injuries and unexpected surprises. I just don't see it happening. The Habs/Preds narrative seems very WWE. Not a fan.
The simulation gave some love in a couple of the end of the year awards.
EA predicts that
Brent Burns will win the Norris Trophy, while
Martin Jones takes home the Jennings.
See the entire list of finishes and awards at
NHL®17 | 2016-17 Season Simulation
I like the idea of the Sharks dominating the regular season, but I have higher hopes than another Conference Finals loss. What do you think. Does the simulation make sense? Or is it a waste of time? Did I just waste your time too?
Inquiring minds need to know.
Thanks for reading,
Steve
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Thoughts on Mikkel Boedker, Kevin Labanc and Martin Jones 
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