2009-10 NHL Predictions

Once again, most forecasters copy the results of the last few years. The regular season results in changes down the stretch and into the playoffs as the more physical teams take over. Last year I predicted the end of the Sharks season and the rise of the Flames. This will be the new season.

EAST:

1. Washington Capitals: Ovechkin is the best and most determined player in the NHL. The Caps are ready to step up.

2. Philadelphia Flyers: If you can’t beat them in the alley, you can’t beat them on the ice. I’ve always been a fan of Sabers and therefore didn’t like Flyers. You just have to love these guys. They will be fun to watch and depending on how tight the calls are this year, they could go all the way.

3. Buffalo Sabers – OK, I’m a home run. If tight calls go the other direction, look to munchkin strikers to do some real damage. Ryan Miller and Thomas Vanek have breakout seasons.

4. Montreal Canadiens: With the Leafs improving, the Canadiens will feel pressure to play a more stable game. They’re solid all over and just need to get their power game back. They will do it with Gómez, Gionta and Cammaleri.

5. Boston Bruins: Tim Thomas’s great goal will keep them in the same position. I think they are overrated. Some injuries, lack of scoring and big heads will keep them down.

6. Pittsburgh Penguins: Tons of talent gives way to heartlessness. Crosby is going to have a great season. Malkin will fall. There’s not enough room in the house for those two. A bad start could end them.

7. New York Rangers – Like their baseball counterpart, the Yankees, they can buy a championship. However, this year they will be much better and could surprise with their depth and talent.

8. Toronto Maple Leafs – Yes, it’s finally happening. Tough Leafs will resemble the young Flyers. Hockey night in Canada will be virtually unbearable to watch as the band jumps on the Leafs, but they will make it to the playoffs.

9. New Jersey Devils – Didn’t you notice a little chink in Martin Brodeur’s armor last year? You can’t hit the wide side of the barn with offense.

10. Tampa Bay Lightning: With a slightly better defensive cast, you can’t keep Vinny and Martin St. Louis at bay for long. They could climb even higher with a good start.

11. Ottawa Senators – Sorry I don’t like these guys. Lot of talent. Dirty players and dirty GM.

12. New York Islanders: I like them. This is the beginning of the rise of the islanders again. Many underrated players and Tavares to manage them.

13. Carolina Hurricanes – OK, Eric Staal and Cam Ward are great. Almost as dirty as the Senators, the Canes will sink this year. Getting old.

14. Florida Panthers – The ghosts of Ollie and Jay will haunt them. Great AHL team.

15. Atlanta Thrashers – Wouldn’t it be great to see Kovalchuck on a good team? Once every ten games they look great. Chicken feeder for good defensive teams.

WEST:

1. Detroit Red Wings: I know, I know, not again. The best managed team in hockey gets in everyone’s way. So talented and determined in every position. Most teams just record a loss. Look for Zetterberg to soar high this year.

2. Calgary Flames – Canadian fans finally have something to celebrate. They are fast, tough and experienced. Jerome finally has some help on a better defense. I chose them to go far last year and they will continue to increase.

3. Anaheim Ducks: If they were from New York City or Canada, every sportswriter would pick them. Big Ducks take out the spikes of most teams. They will be there at the end.

4. Chicago Black Hawks: I wish I could pick them first, but they’re missing something. Perhaps a veteran striker for the lead. Patrick Kane has big stones for a small guy and it’s only going to get better. Great all around and hungry.

5. St. Louis Blues – Remember the boom years? The Blues were all kinds. Guess what? They are again. It will be the most improved team in the NHL.

6. San Jose Sharks – What? The Sharks sixth in the West? I knew they would sink last year and I still think they are overrated. McLellan fired mid-season. The ducks will crush them.

7. Los Angeles Kings – OOO give me the purple Kings offense again. This year they finally come together. Tons of goals and good plays put them on track.

8. Vancouver Canucks: The best goalie in the league can’t stop them from diving. Burrows is great but he doesn’t have much respect for the Sedins.

9. Dallas Stars – Chop Chop. You need to get some toughness and defense. Great forward body and leadership. Inconsistent.

10. Nashville Predators – A lot of teams wish they had his defense. They could surprise if they just changed their name to the Nashville Cats.

11. Colorado Avalanche: Some great players. Very cool uniforms. Big fans. Is not sufficient.

12. Phoenix Coyotes – Perhaps the Hamilton Tiger Cats? Good young tough team. Just bad management.

13. Edmonton Oilers: Such a proud franchise, history, and great hockey fans. Dommage C’est. They are officially worse than the Leafs now.

14. Minnesota Wild- Hi, I’m Italian. I encourage the Red, Green and White. Too bad the team from Italy could beat them.

15. Columbus Blue Jackets – They play as South Ottawa. A few great players and nothing but a chippy game. Move them to Winnipeg. Cool uniforms though.

The Ducks will beat the Flyers in the most memorable cup final in years. It will be a war.

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