So considering there is absolutely nothing new and interesting to write about in hockey apart from some poor Blue Jackets prospect calling it quits and facing the wrath of the entire hockey media (bad timing buddy), I figured I would start to formulate my picks for the upcoming season.
First we have the Eastern Conference:
- Montreal Canadiens
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- Washington Capitals
- New York Rangers
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Ottawa Senators
- Boston Bruins
- New Jersey Devils
- Buffalo Sabres
- Tampa Bay Lightning
- Carolina Hurricanes
- New York Islanders
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Florida Panthers
- Atlanta Thrashers
It is generally agreed that the East is the weaker conference but it also has the most parity of the two making it relatively difficult to pick spots 4 through 12. There is a pretty good chance the Sabres, Lightning and Hurricanes could all make the playoffs and it wouldn't surprise me at all to see the Devils or Bruins miss the post-season by the slimmest of margins.
Now here are the Western Conference standings according to me:
- Detroit Red Wings*
- San Jose Sharks
- Dallas Stars
- Anaheim Ducks
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Edmonton Oilers
- Calgary Flames
- Minnesota Wild
- Nashville Predators
- Phoenix Coyotes
- Vancouver Canucks
- Colorado Avalanche
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- Los Angeles Kings
- St. Louis Blues
* Denotes Stanley Cup Champion
The West is a little bit easier to pick, especially in the higher slots but 8 through 13 are all interchangeable. The Red Wings will win the Cup again this year but hopefully San Jose gives them a run for their money. The Sharks seem to be throwing all their eggs into one basket like the Avalanche did in 2000-01. It worked for the Avs then but I cant honestly see it working for the Sharks when they will have to beat the machine that is the Detroit Red Wings. The Wings of 08-09 are essentially the same team that dominated the Western Conference last season minus Dominik Hasek who was more of a distraction than he was helpful.
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