2013-2014 NHL Division Predictions/Conference Standings Predictions

Division Predictions:

Pacific:
 
1.      San Jose Sharks - Strengths: top 6 forwards, coaches, goaltending, NHL referees; Weakness: defense, bottom 6

2.      Los Angeles Kings – Strengths: center ice position, goaltending, defense, the organ; Weakness: Scoring

3.      Vancouver Canucks – Strengths: Defense and goaltending; Weakness: bottom 9, health

4.      Anaheim Ducks – Strengths: coaching, goaltending, top line; Weakness: bottom 9, defense

5.      Phoenix Coyotes – Strengths: coaching, defense; Weakness: Lack of scoring, Mike Smith, stable ownership?

6.      Edmonton Oilers – Strengths: youth, top 6 forwards; Weakness: bottom 6, defense, Devyn Dubnyk, Craig MacTavish

7.      Calgary Flames – Strengths: none; Weakness: goaltending, forwards, defense, Jay Feaster

Central:

1.      Chicago Blackhawks – Strengths: NHL referees, scoring, coaching; Weakness: goaltending consistency?  Lack of 2^nd line center, cup hangover

2.      St. Louis Blues – Strengths: Defense, bottom 6; Weakness: Goaltending, Top 6 forwards

3.      Dallas Stars – Strengths: Youth, defense; Weakness: scoring, goaltending

4.      Minnesota Wild – Strengths: top line; Weakness: goaltending, defense, coaching

5.      Nashville Predators – Strengths: defense and goaltending; Weakness: no top 6/no scoring

6.      Winnipeg Jets – Strengths: defense, youth; Weakness: goaltending, forward depth

7.      Colorado Avalanche – Strengths: center ice position; Weakness: defense and goaltending, unproven coach

Metropolitan:

1.      New York Islanders – Strengths: Youth, scrappiness, compete level; Weakness: defense and goaltending

2.      Washington Capitals – Strengths: all forward lines, coaching, powerplay efficiency; Weakness: defense and Holtby consistency

3.      Pittsburgh Penguins – Strengths: NHL referees, forwards; Weakness: Fleury/goaltending, depth defense

4.      Columbus Blue Jackets – Strengths: defense and goaltending; Weakness: scoring

5.      New York Rangers – Strengths: defense and goaltending; Weakness: scoring, Glen Sather

6.      New Jersey Devils – Strengths: defense and goaltending; Weakness: bottom 6 depth, aging Marty

7.      Philadelphia Flyers – Strengths: youth/forwards; Weakness: old defense and horrific goaltending

8.      Carolina Hurricanes – Strengths: top 6 forwards; Weakness: Ward’s health, defensive mobility, Jim Rutherford

Atlantic:

1.      Boston Bruins – Strengths: top 6 forwards, goaltending, defense, coaching; Weakness: third line, young blueline

2.      Detroit Red Wings – Strengths: experience, coaching, goaltending, NHL referees; Weakness: defense, bottom 6 forwards

3.      Toronto Maple Leafs – Strengths: defense, top line; Weakness: goaltending? Center ice position

4.      Ottawa Senators – Strengths: Defense, goaltending; Weakness: Bottom 9 forwards, cheap ownership

5.      Montreal Canadiens – Strengths: Defense, goaltending; Weakness: Top 6 forwards, coaching

6.      Tampa Bay Lightning – Strengths: scoring, powerplay efficiency; Weakness: defense and goaltending, Steve Yzerman

7.      Florida Panthers – Strengths: none; Weakness: top 6 forwards, defense, Dale Tallon

8.      Buffalo Sabres – Strengths: none; Weakness: Vanek/Miller trade or extensions, coaching, defense, Darcy Regier
 

Conference Standings: 

Western Conference:

1.   Chicago Blackhawks*

2.   San Jose Sharks*

3.   Los Angeles Kings

4.   Vancouver Canucks

5.   St. Louis Blues

6.   Dallas Stars

7.   Anaheim Ducks

8.   Minnesota Wild

Eastern Conference:

1.   Boston Bruins*

2.   New York Islanders*

3.   Detroit Red Wings

4.   Washington Capitals

5.   Pittsburgh Penguins

6.   Toronto Maple Leafs

7.   Columbus Blue Jackets

8.   Ottawa Senators

Until next time, stay classy.  -George