NHL Playoff Predictions?

Question

Here are my predictions ranked by points (not standings, ie. no 3rd place lock for div title)

Eastern Conference (1-8)

Pens

Habs

Sens

Flyers

Caps

Sabres

Bruins

Rangers

Summary: Rangers barely hold on, too soon for Lightning to gel, Flyers and Caps build on strong finishes, Sabres return to contenders, and Pens, Habs and Sens play to their ability and lock up home ice advantage

Western Conference (1-8)

Wings

Stars

Flames

Wild

Sharks

Ducks

Hawks

Canucks

Summary: Wings get even better, Stars shine (one of the most underrated team since lockout), Flames burn strong (see comment about Stars), Wild are led by Gaborik in his contract year, Sharks and Ducks won't be as strong but still muscle their way to playoffs, Blackhawks and Canucks outpace weaker teams but get swept in round 1

FINALS: Repeat of last year, but this time Crosby and Geno don't take no for an answer and win their first of many Cups

Now that you know my predictions, why don't you tell me yours!

Rich

PS: I'm a Ranger fan, which explains why the Rangers make the playoffs in my predictions despite a seriously inferior team.

Answer 1

well , .. I think everyone's ridiculous for not thinking Tampa Bay's going to be in the top 4 atleast... sure, their goaltending is a bit suspect until Smith proves himself but the rest of their roster is too good to keep them out the playoffs... in the West, Dallas won't make it .. there's too many other better teams there.. here's  my predictions:

West

1 Sharks

2 Calgary

3 Detroit

4 minnesota

5 Vancouver

6 Anaheim

7 Colorado

8 St Louis



East

1 Tampa Bay

2 Pittsburgh

3 Montreal

4 Rangers

5 Philly

6 Washington

7 Islanders ( yes, im a bit biased but i think they have the heart and character to make it)

8 Carolina

Finals  -  Philadelphia over Calgary

Answer 2

which would also be the reason for the devils not making the playoffs.  to early for playoff predications. but sorry to burst ur rangers bubble the Devils will make the playoffs as they alsways do

Answer 3

Man predictions in Hockey especially now in this league is way too much.  

But I will make one prediction that PIttsburgh and Detroit WILL not make it to the finals.  

Hear me out.

82 game season Check

20+ Playoff games Check

Season ends late June Check

Getting back into hockey mode by August

Detroit and Pitts are not gonna be as strong come playoff time.  Just look at Ott, Ana, last year, or Edm Carolina the year b4 that.  

Opens the door for my Habs.

Answer 4

And being a rangers fan means you have the devils missing the playoffs, but at least you admit youre team did not get much better

1.  Habs

2.  Pens

3. Washington

4.  NJD

5.  Philly

6.  Boston

7.  Ottawa

8.  NYR

Tampa will be fighting with NYR and OTT for the last 2 playoff spots, with buffalo behind

1.  Wings

2.  San Jose

3.  Edmonton

4.  Dallas

5.  Ducks

6.  Chicago

7.  Flames

8.  Minnesota

Nashville somehow pops into the picture again, with Pheonix right behind, and unless vancouver gets sundin, then they wont make the playoffs