With the NHL regular season starting in less then two weeks, I decided I’d share my first eight predictions for this season. If you’re wondering where the Ranger’s predictions are, they get their own article.
My number one prediction: It will take The Utah Hockey Club a few months to get into the swing of things. The former Arizona Coyotes didn’t totally stink last year, but for player’s it still is a new rink, facility, and state; and I feel like that will take some getting used to.
The Anaheim Ducks will make the playoffs: It’s been so long since the ducks made the playoffs, and with the new, re-vamped logo, I think it’s their year; they have some solid talent in their rookies, as well as Zegras, Troy Terry, Leo Carlsson, and a decent defensive roster. I think they have a chance. I’d also like to put that John Gibson is an amazing goalie, because— if you look at the stats from a few season ago, he faced 50-60 shots in many-many regulation games.
Connor Bedard gets over 80 points: Bedard was on track to score at least 80 points, but was stifled with a broken jaw. I’m not gonna go as far as to say Chicago will make the playoffs, but I think that select players will have a solid season.
The Flyers will manage to make the playoffs: I think with Michkov coming over to play, they definitely have a chance at being real playoff contenders— honestly, I think them missing the playoffs last season, was a bit of a luck thing, combined with a lapse in both offence and defense, and the arrest of starting goaltender Carter Hart.
The Flyers will struggle goaltending-wise for the pre-season: The Flyers have a good stock of goaltenders, but I don’t know if they were fully committed to the idea, that Carter Hart and four others’ from varying teams, would actually be arrested. It might take a minute for the Flyers’ to choose who is their starter, but Samuel Ersson or Ivan Fedotov seem to both be a solid choice.
Crosby gets traded: Sidney Crosby get’s traded; Crosby’s still good, don’t get me wrong, but in that, he’s a viable mark for a trade. Now here’s the thing, I only think this will happen if the Penguins’ are in a spot where they are bordering on playoff contention.
The Devils miss the playoffs: Now is this may be me rooting for the Devil’s downfall, but I’ve got facts. One, two of their teams player’s got arrested, and one was a regular; two, yeah, they have Jack Hughes, but call me Torts, the kid can’t block a shot. You can’t build a team off of pure finesse. Bratt’s good, and you’ve got Hischer— defensively they are okay— but the Metro is arguably the most competitive division.
The Vancouver Canucks do well: It’s Quinn’s year, and the Canucks have made some good moves for the imminent future, and placed it to be in a good position in the Pacific Division, they have some good offensive players like Elias Petterson, Brock Boser, and J.T. Miller; and a solid defense, and Goaltender Thatcher Demko is a solid goalie, and overall, I think they have a good chance.
