Only way Ducks win is if Kesler is out for the year. They do have a damn good looking defense tho...
- LordHumungous

Another one of my Bold Predictions has the Ducks missing the playoffs this year.

They're starting with Kesler, Vatanen and Lindholm on LTIR, plus Getzlaf and Bieksa are already banged up and Ryan Miller's starting the season on IR.

I don't think they're going to be able to get ahead of their injuries this year.

EA Sports simulator has Tampa-EDM final Tampa winning...I could get on board with that if Stamkos remains healthy but he just can't anymore.
- LordHumungous

I think D is their biggest question mark. Even without Drouin they have scoring depth to survive a Stamkos injury for extended periods of time. Come playoffs though, they cant expect Hedman to get them through

Another one of my Bold Predictions has the Ducks missing the playoffs this year.

They're starting with Kesler, Vatanen and Lindholm on LTIR, plus Getzlaf and Bieksa are already banged up and Ryan Miller's starting the season on IR.

I don't think they're going to be able to get ahead of their injuries this year.
- Carol Schram

Also possible.

I think D is their biggest question mark. Even without Drouin they have scoring depth to survive a Stamkos injury for extended periods of time. Come playoffs though, they cant expect Hedman to get them through
- WhiteLie

Tanev

Tanev
- VANTEL

For?

Tanev
- VANTEL

It would be smart on their part. Right now looks like they have this season and next as their best window to win before Kucherov destroys their cap situation. Tanev's cheap contract covers that window

For?
- LordHumungous

Raddysh and a first

lol yeah...I think the Rangers time has passed my friend and NSH was a bit of a one-off. Preds are good but don't see them getting back to the finals.
- LordHumungous

For me the east is a shot in the dark. I only picked rangers because I have a lot of faith in AV. But it end there.

I can't see Pitts repeating because I think Sidney ain't making it through this season without injury. Same goes for Tampa and Stamkos. I actually don't see any team out of the Atlantic making it to the SC.

I have no faith in Washington so the rangers won by default.

Why would you say the preds are a one-off? I think they still look like a playoff team that would be difficult to play against. Great defensive system, good goaltending, skill with a bit of snarl. I like them lots.

Edmonton
San Jose
Calgary
Vancouver
Anaheim
Phoenix
LA
Las Vegas

Only top 3 make the playoffs

Washington wins in 7 over Calgary - Mike smith wins the CS trophy in the loss

Edmonton
San Jose
Calgary
Vancouver
Anaheim
Phoenix
LA
Las Vegas

Only top 3 make the playoffs

Washington wins in 7 over Calgary - Mike smith wins the CS trophy in the loss
- 1970vintage

Have you been drinking?

For me the east is a shot in the dark. I only picked rangers because I have a lot of faith in AV. But it end there.

I can't see Pitts repeating because I think Sidney ain't making it through this season without injury. Same goes for Tampa and Stamkos. I actually don't see any team out of the Atlantic making it to the SC.

I have no faith in Washington so the rangers won by default.

Why would you say the preds are a one-off? I think they still look like a playoff team that would be difficult to play against. Great defensive system, good goaltending, skill with a bit of snarl. I like them lots.
- bloatedmosquito

They do have a very balanced lineup will give you that for sure. I just feel Rinne isn't the guy to get them to the promised land...too much Luongo there and it will bite them in the PO's.

It's so tough to get back to the SCF in back to back years have a look at SJ many picked them to be back in it.

I can see Stamkos out again as he is totally injury-prone now...not sure on Crosby though. He always seems to find a way...I can see the Pens three-peating.

Have you been drinking?
- VANTEL

I though this was crazy predictions...

Edmonton
San Jose
Calgary
Vancouver
Anaheim
Phoenix
LA
Las Vegas

Only top 3 make the playoffs

Washington wins in 7 over Calgary - Mike smith wins the CS trophy in the loss
- 1970vintage

lol...I will personally fly to Bite Me BC and buy you 20 drinks if any of that happens...

For me the east is a shot in the dark. I only picked rangers because I have a lot of faith in AV. But it end there.

I can't see Pitts repeating because I think Sidney ain't making it through this season without injury. Same goes for Tampa and Stamkos. I actually don't see any team out of the Atlantic making it to the SC.

I have no faith in Washington so the rangers won by default.

Why would you say the preds are a one-off? I think they still look like a playoff team that would be difficult to play against. Great defensive system, good goaltending, skill with a bit of snarl. I like them lots.
- bloatedmosquito

I think with how tough the metropolitan division is, the East champs will come out of the Atlantic. A WC crossover team will have a good chance but its an uphill battle.

I also like the Panthers to rebound, Habs/Sens regress, Toronto/Boston stagnant for that division. Should not be as tough for Tampa IMO

They do have a very balanced lineup will give you that for sure. I just feel Rinne isn't the guy to get them to the promised land...too much Luongo there and it will bite them in the PO's.

It's so tough to get back to the SCF in back to back years have a look at SJ many picked them to be back in it.

I can see Stamkos out again as he is totally injury-prone now...not sure on Crosby though. He always seems to find a way...I can see the Pens three-peating.
- LordHumungous

Admit it... you don't like the Preds because there's a Subban on the team.

I can feel your hate through the screen.

Another one of my Bold Predictions has the Ducks missing the playoffs this year.

They're starting with Kesler, Vatanen and Lindholm on LTIR, plus Getzlaf and Bieksa are already banged up and Ryan Miller's starting the season on IR.

I don't think they're going to be able to get ahead of their injuries this year.
- Carol Schram

Totally agree. They had these catch up seasons when they were a younger team. It's a lot harder now. Where who's left could also fall by the time the others get back and up to speed with timing etc.

So Alberta teams will lead the Pacific and who gets the 3rd playoff spot will be the real race for bubble contenders.

lol...I will personally fly to Bite Me BC and buy you 20 drinks if any of that happens...
- LordHumungous

A tip of the cap will do. Lombardi/Sutter ruined the Kings, stick a fork in them. Carol has Ana missing the playoffs too. Edmonton will feast on the poor competition in the division. Jager is going make the Flames the most potent PP in the league. The Canucks will surprise teams because they are supposed to be bad - we’re going to see a record number of backup goalies this year.

I think D is their biggest question mark. Even without Drouin they have scoring depth to survive a Stamkos injury for extended periods of time. Come playoffs though, they cant expect Hedman to get them through
- WhiteLie

no? Also, Sergachev is in the lineup and Hedman's partner is a 23 year old. i agree they could use some help, but Hedman is IMO the best all-around in the league.

Have you been drinking?
- VANTEL

his name refers to wine me thinks.

his name refers to wine me thinks.
- neem55

Ding ding ding

Edmonton
San Jose
Calgary
Vancouver
Anaheim
Phoenix
LA
Las Vegas

Only top 3 make the playoffs

Washington wins in 7 over Calgary - Mike smith wins the CS trophy in the loss
- 1970vintage

I actually like your top 3. but having Vancouver above anyone other than LV has me wondering if I can borrow your prescription.

no? Also, Sergachev is in the lineup and Hedman's partner is a 23 year old. i agree they could use some help, but Hedman is IMO the best all-around in the league.
- neem55

I probably didnt type that very well: I think they have a solid group of D, but lose Hedman and I think they wouldnt go as far. They could use another to solidify their cup chances

I actually like your top 3. but having Vancouver above anyone other than LV has me wondering if I can borrow your prescription.
- neem55

I don’t think they will actually finish ahead of Ana, but do think LA tumbles in the standings, and let’s be honest, they should have finished ahead of Phoenix last season

A tip of the cap will do. Lombardi/Sutter ruined the Kings, stick a fork in them. Carol has Ana missing the playoffs too. Edmonton will feast on the poor competition in the division. Jager is going make the Flames the most potent PP in the league. The Canucks will surprise teams because they are supposed to be bad - we’re going to see a record number of backup goalies this year.
- 1970vintage

If the Canucks were to surprise this it would fit, this season, with their history. Super strong 2018 draft. Everyone has them written off. Instead of laughing it off with tragic hubris they seem resolved to do well. Confident new coach who wants to impress. Players looking for bounce back performances and contracts. All the ingredients are there.

I don’t think they will actually finish ahead of Ana, but do think LA tumbles in the standings, and let’s be honest, they should have finished ahead of Phoenix last season
- 1970vintage

I am being honest, Arizona is a much better team than Vancouver this year. Younger, faster and waaaaaay more skilled. Arizona could be a bubble team if Raanta plays well.