Sure they could if Anaheim, Nashville, San Jose, Edmonton, Chicago, Calgary, Dallas, St. Louis, Winnipeg, and LA sustain serious injuries to most of their lineups.

Yes. Better odds than Vancouver.
- Ronbo

My neighbor kids that I always have to wait to move their net so I can back out of my driveway have better odds than Vancouver.

BTW. My neighbor kids are a bunch of d!cks

I wonder if Philly fan is worried that Wentz is all types of dookie....Yotes will be a fringe playoff team...hopefully a little luck in the draft lottery next year and away we go!

I wonder if Philly fan is worried that Wentz is all types of dookie....Yotes will be a fringe playoff team...hopefully a little luck in the draft lottery next year and away we go!
- Pet.m.d.

a fringe playoff team or a lottery team needing a "little" luck.... those things dont go together. you've failed your MOCA and I'm a gonna have to take away your drivers license.

Do you really think Calgary is not a lock? Or even Nashville? The only way I see either missing is if their goalies burn them. Calgary has the assets to fix their goalie situation if it's not working 20 games in and Saros is one if the best young backups in the league. So even that's unlikely.

I have a hard time counting Chicago out of the playoff mix as well. Regression or not. JT, PK, Saad, DK, seabrook and Crawford are just too good of a core to lose enough to miss.

Why is San Jose due for huge regression? Vlasic may be a superior form of Hjarl, Burns is a late bloomer who is in his prime and the group of couts, pav and jumbo are still dangerous. Jones is a stud and hertl and donskoi have another level to reach.

Anyone not taking Winnipeg seriously is also in for a huge franking surprise. Just some thoughts.

a fringe playoff team or a lottery team needing a "little" luck.... those things dont go together. you've failed your MOCA and I'm a gonna have to take away your drivers license.
- ChrisMS

I don't know what MOCA means?

Ok. That was my opinion, but clearly, you have this locked down.

Sorry for being the first person in history to say something ridiculous in a James Tanner blog thread. Given your reputation as the voice of reason in this site, I'll simply submit to your will.

😉
You're the best J.T. don't ever quit.
- Vanoxy

Well, respectfully, you have to think that in a league where the LA Kings missed the Playoffs, it's pretty dubious to say there are seven locks.


And if my reputation isn't as the voice of reason, it's because I think for myself and often bypass the consensus on a topic - but usually it's only the typical right-wing aggressive internet commentor type that knocks me.

In reality, my record of saying things that were called stupid and turned out to be true is incredibly impressive. Immaculate even.

Do you really think Calgary is not a lock? Or even Nashville? The only way I see either missing is if their goalies burn them. Calgary has the assets to fix their goalie situation if it's not working 20 games in and Saros is one if the best young backups in the league. So even that's unlikely.

I have a hard time counting Chicago out of the playoff mix as well. Regression or not. JT, PK, Saad, DK, seabrook and Crawford are just too good of a core to lose enough to miss.

Why is San Jose due for huge regression? Vlasic may be a superior form of Hjarl, Burns is a late bloomer who is in his prime and the group of couts, pav and jumbo are still dangerous. Jones is a stud and hertl and donskoi have another level to reach.

Anyone not taking Winnipeg seriously is also in for a huge franking surprise. Just some thoughts.
- MarkStoned

If either Nashville or Calgary had better goaltending, I'd be willing to call them two of the best teams in hockey.

I agree on WPG,, but Seabrook is barely replacement level at this point.

Chicago is due for HUGE regression, I think they're success over the last decade hid from public eye just how truly lucky they got last year.

Still, Toews, Saad, Kane and Keith is a great core.

Sabre fan popping off about Coyotes is awesome - One thing we can all agree on is that AZ will be better than Sabres - worry about that train wreck of a squad which will probably be 26th to 30th and missing the playoffs again - here is the question which Buffalo team will be crappier ?? Sabres or Bills ?

Well, respectfully, you have to think that in a league where the LA Kings missed the Playoffs, it's pretty dubious to say there are seven locks.


And if my reputation isn't as the voice of reason, it's because I think for myself and often bypass the consensus on a topic - but usually it's only the typical right-wing aggressive internet commentor type that knocks me.

In reality, my record of saying things that were called stupid and turned out to be true is incredibly impressive. Immaculate even.
- james_tanner1

Gormley
Rundblad
Schenn
Franson
Are examples of ur record not being immaculate

Coyotes success will depend on luck. That's a a huge factor

"What [Coyotes defense] has long been a source of weakness, now looks very good for Arizona."

But just 3 years ago you said

"The defense and goaltending of the Coyotes aren't just playoff worthy, they match up favorably against every single Stanley Cup Contender." ~James Tanner, 2014

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=61712


You'll have to forgive us when absolutely no one takes your predictions with even a grain of salt.

They wont be a bottom lottery team.

Domi finally having a legit centerman, I would be surprised if he puts up 60+ points.

Just on the outside looking in.

Every year there are one or two teams that nobody expects to make it. Could AZ be that team? The copout it is anything is possible, but in that division it is. The Pacific is probably the weakest division in hockey.

EDM and ANA are the only teams I see as locks. My gut tells me CGY finishes third and I don't see more than three teams from that division making it.

AZ made a couple of nice moves: Raanta, Stepan and Hjalmarsson definitely help them out, but I don't believe it makes them a playoff team just yet.

I can't see SJ being as good as last year, but I don't see them sliding down the ladder until after this season.

My prediction for the pacific:

EDM
ANA
CGY
SJ
LA
AZ
VAN

I know that's not much different than last year's finish, but that's what I see happening.

so you say i got a chance

It's ridiculous to say there are "seven locks" the only Lock to make the Playoffs in the West right now is Edmonton. Any other team could easily miss the Playoffs, especially Chicago and St.Louis.
- james_tanner1

Don't jinx us James.

With sekera out for a prolonged period, significant minutes being depended on from all of nurse, benning, slepyshev, Russel probably playing a lot of big minutes etc- things could go south.

An injury to Connor or talbot regressing abit could derail them.

I'm cautiously confident, but there's a lot of ifs with the oilers I think.
If they can stay afloat through the first 6 weeks, (essentially those kids on defence stepping up) I'm sure they'll be fine though.

However, I'd say Anaheim and nashville are probably locks

Every year there are one or two teams that nobody expects to make it. Could AZ be that team? The copout it is anything is possible, but in that division it is. The Pacific is probably the weakest division in hockey.

EDM and ANA are the only teams I see as locks. My gut tells me CGY finishes third and I don't see more than three teams from that division making it.

AZ made a couple of nice moves: Raanta, Stepan and Hjalmarsson definitely help them out, but I don't believe it makes them a playoff team just yet.

I can't see SJ being as good as last year, but I don't see them sliding down the ladder until after this season.

My prediction for the pacific:

EDM
ANA
CGY
SJ
LA
AZ
VAN

I know that's not much different than last year's finish, but that's what I see happening.
- Rinosaur

Ridiculous.

You're right.

But, still, ridiculous.
#teamtanner

Well, respectfully, you have to think that in a league where the LA Kings missed the Playoffs, it's pretty dubious to say there are seven locks.


And if my reputation isn't as the voice of reason, it's because I think for myself and often bypass the consensus on a topic - but usually it's only the typical right-wing aggressive internet commentor type that knocks me.

In reality, my record of saying things that were called stupid and turned out to be true is incredibly impressive. Immaculate even.
- james_tanner1

Fair enough.
In the future, I'll just post an insulting meme, rather than taking the time to write out a thoughtful post with the hopes of furthering discussion on the topic.

I was in a hurry. I agree, love the moves they've made on and off the ice, however, I'm not sure they're in a position to turn it around that quickly. Perhaps the year after when some of the kids have NHL game experience, then I'd say you're on the mark.
- LeftCoaster

yeah I mean it's possible. they're improving. with the West being so much weaker these days, I wouldn't rule it out. but it's still unlikely. still a ways to go.

"What
- Antilles[Coyotes defense] has long been a source of weakness, now looks very good for Arizona."

But just 3 years ago you said

"The defense and goaltending of the Coyotes aren't just playoff worthy, they match up favorably against every single Stanley Cup Contender." ~James Tanner, 2014

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=61712


You'll have to forgive us when absolutely no one takes your predictions with even a grain of salt.

Honestly, just the fact that you went back and found that is hilarious. The Coyotes had a great defense at the time, with three young highly regarded prospects. It's kind of a bummer they never worked out.

Don't jinx us James.

With sekera out for a prolonged period, significant minutes being depended on from all of nurse, benning, slepyshev, Russel probably playing a lot of big minutes etc- things could go south.

An injury to Connor or talbot regressing abit could derail them.

I'm cautiously confident, but there's a lot of ifs with the oilers I think.
If they can stay afloat through the first 6 weeks, (essentially those kids on defence stepping up) I'm sure they'll be fine though.

However, I'd say Anaheim and nashville are probably locks
- HB77

I don't know why everyone thinks Anaheim is so good. They don't have a very impressive roster, their forwards are old, declining and their defense after their first pairing is overrated. Also they continue to have the worst coach in the NHL.

NO

I don't know why everyone thinks Anaheim is so good. They don't have a very impressive roster, their forwards are old, declining and their defense after their first pairing is overrated. Also they continue to have the worst coach in the NHL.
- james_tanner1

i dunno man. cant say I agree.

they just won the pacific for the 5th straight year and went to the western finals.
I suppose their core is aging, but until they actually stop winning, cant actually say theyre declining I think

getzlaf is still a total beast. one of the games' elite centermen. 80 is still totally reachable, but id say if he stays healthy, 65-70 at least is a lock.
dude ran roughshod over the oilers in the playoffs. literally couldn't stop him.

perry had an awful season, but hes still as dangerous as a scorer as there is. 25-30 is easily reachable for him

kesler is still an elite shutdown center. and can put up points. one of the few guys that gave connor fits every time they faced each other (kadri-oel were the others off the top of my head)

rakell and silfverberg are solid complimentary scorers and in their primes. Ritchie is a solid player.

lindholm and fowler are quality top pairing guys. mansons good. vatanen is a solid pp guy. Montour is one of the leagues best skaters.

Gibson is a bandaid, but hes one of the games best young tenders.

I wont say much about Carlyle, but I dunno, hes a vet and has some success on his resume I guess.


id say a hella good team. how they have that defence and were fairly easily able to absorb losing a guy of theodores potential is impressive.
the pacific is wide open, but id say the ducks are the unquestionable favs to win the division again

I don't know why everyone thinks Anaheim is so good. They don't have a very impressive roster, their forwards are old, declining and their defense after their first pairing is overrated. Also they continue to have the worst coach in the NHL.
- james_tanner1

James let me help you out - Rakell / Silf / Richie / are young and getting better every year / Every team in the league would love to have Getz - Kes is a Selke finalist & huge pain to play against - Perry should hopefully somewhat rebound and the young forwards they have coming will carry this team forward Sam Steel / Max Jones / Troy Terry / Jules Nattinen - The D is sick with more studs coming - Gibson & a Miller should be just fine in net - another deep run is entirely in the cards - and Carlyle makes adjustments Bruce could only dream of -

Honestly, just the fact that you went back and found that is hilarious. The Coyotes had a great defense at the time, with three young highly regarded prospects. It's kind of a bummer they never worked out.
- james_tanner1

I'm glad you realize just how hilarious it is that it literally only takes 5 mouse clicks to find the blog you basically re-wrote. Every single summer, you make ridiculous predictions, often guarantee them, and are wrong. Then claim, like in the comments here, that your predictions are "immaculate." The worst part is, you genuinely seem to relish the idea that you are being original, disagreeing with everyone else. When in fact you are just a bad sequel, rehashing the same stuff you put out before that wasn't correct to begin with.

And... which is it then? Has Coyotes defense long been a source of weakness, or did they have a great defense just a few seasons ago?