2016-2017 Predictions

[Josh]

I'll post standing predictions soon, but for now:

Stanley Cup: Washington Capitals
Runner Up: Dallas Stars
Worst Record: Toronto Maple Leafs
Bold Prediction: Arizona Coyotes make the Playoffs

[Dean Ambrose]

ATLANTIC

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING - 113 PTS
MONTREAL CANADIENS - 107 PTS
FLORIDA PANTHERS - 104 PTS
***
BOSTON BRUINS - 95 PTS
***
OTTAWA SENATORS - 90 PTS
BUFFALO SABRES - 81 PTS
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS - 81 PTS
DETROIT RED WINGS - 77 PTS

METROPOLITAN

WASHINGTON CAPITALS - 116 PTS
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS - 112 PTS
NEW YORK RANGERS - 101 PTS
***
NEW YORK ISLANDERS - 92 PTS
***
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS - 92 PTS
NEW JERSEY DEVILS - 88 PTS
COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS - 88 PTS
CAROLINA HURRICANES - 82 PTS

***

CENTRAL

DALLAS STARS - 106 PTS
ST. LOUIS BLUES - 101 PTS
MINNESOTA WILD - 98 PTS
***
NASHVILLE PREDATORS - 96 PTS
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS - 95 PTS
***
COLORADO AVALANCHE - 86 PTS
WINNIPEG JETS - 83 PTS

PACIFIC

SAN JOSE SHARKS - 104 PTS
LOS ANGELES KINGS - 103 PTS
ANAHEIM DUCKS - 102 PTS
***
EDMONTON OILERS - 90 PTS
ARIZONA COYOTES - 87 PTS
VANCOUVER CANUCKS - 84 PTS
CALGARY FLAMES - 80 PTS



*********

STANLEY CUP - Tampa Bay Lightning
RUNNER UP - Nashville Predators

[matchesmalone]

I apologize that I don't have time this year for any serious or in-depth predictions, but on the player front, I would say I'm expecting significant breakouts from Scheifele, Toffoli, Trocheck and Hertl. And from two players who have already broke out but I think could take it to an entirely new level: Filip Forsberg and Nikita Kucherov.

Oh, and again, I think Ristolainen gets his name at least into the discussion for Norris.

I'll add other random predictions, including awards. But nothing too detailed or systematic.

[matchesmalone]

I actually really like Rayzor's picks for Cup Finalists. I do think Tampa has to be considered one of the strongest favorites. Nashville, maybe, but Rinne is getting up there, and they rely on him pretty heavily. They will need whoever their backup is to play 25+ games during the regular season so Rinne will be rested for the playoffs.