Zz's end of season projections

Entry posted by Zz_ December 28, 2014

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https://www.hockeyforums.net/blogs/entry/720-zzs-end-of-season-projections/

Not exactly half way through the season we look at teams on the rise and fall for the remaining of the 2014-15 season. We will break down entire league so far this season and where I think they will land when game 82 is complete for every team:

1. Anaheim Ducks (28-8-5 51 points)

Anaheim made their off-season splash to obtain forward Ryan Kesler (and a 3

round 2015 pick) from Vancouver in exchange for centre Nick Bonino, Defenseman Luca Sbisa and Anaheim’s 1

and 3

round picks in 2014. 36 games into his first career season, Kesler is not disappointing. Defensively he has not been gold, but on offense Kesler could be looking to repeat his second highest career numbers.

The Ducks currently own the NHL as they are two points ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins. To close the season, Anaheim will play 27 games against current playoff contenders and 19 against current non-playoff teams (some on the bubble both ways.) With goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov signing and Frederick Andersen playing like goal, the Ducks will easily continue their NHL terror. Anaheim’s number two point producer the last three seasons will return to the lineup in the Duck’s next few games, Corey Perry sustained a knee injury and has not played since December 5

My Projected end of season rank: 3

in NHL – 2

in Western Conference

2. Pittsburgh Penguins (22-7-5 49 points)

Trading away point producer James Neal could not have turned out better, and the firing of Coach Dan Bylsma has seen last year’s Penguins turn it around to become the NHL’s top dogs once again. Patric Hornqvist (obtained in the James Neal trade) has been near perfect for Pittsburgh, his 29 points are third on the team and his plus-13 leads the team.

The biggest story for the Penguins has been the resurgence of goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. Fleury is 19-4-3 with six shutouts this season, he has allowed a goals against average of 2.09 and a save percentage of .929 so far this season. He could certainly be a top contender for this seasons Vezina Trophy. (

The

Vezina Trophy

is an annual award given to the goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at this position as voted by the general managers of all NHL clubs.)

My Projected end of season rank: 1

in NHL – 1

in Eastern Conference

3. Chicago Blackhawks (23-10-5 48 points)

Chicago could easily be the number one team so far this season. Captain Jonathan Toews has his Blackhawks pushing for another President’s Trophy and want to raise that Stanley Cup again. Patrick Kane has 36 points and is looking for his best season since 2009-10.

The addition of Brad Richards has not been an explosion, but his defensive aspect has been a help, only two players have a higher +/- while Kane and Toews share a +9 with Richards.

My Projected end of season rank: 2

in NHL – 1

in Western Conference

4. Nashville Predators (22-9-2 46 points)

Though Nashville has been this seasons Colorado Avalanche of the Western Conference, they have found spark from their rookie sensation. Trading Martin Erat and Michael Latta for Filip Forsberg was the best Predator move since drafting Pekka Rinne in 2004. His 32 points and +24 are tops on the Predators while the rookie looks to earn this seasons Calder Trophy for rookie of the year.

Pekka Rinne has been that go to guy for Nashville since establishing himself in 2008-09. After a terrible last season with injuries and poor team play in front of him. Rinne has rebounded and leads the NHL Vezina race, he is 22-6-1 this season with a sensational 1.84 goals against average. If Nashville looks to remain a top playoff contender, Rinne and Forsberg’s play is key, if either slack off this team could fall to a lower seed and face a tougher challenge.

My Projected end of season rank: 10

in the NHL – 5

in Western Conference

5. New York Islanders (23-11-0 46 points)

The Islanders are the only team in the NHL that have yet to lose an overtime or shootout game. The teams signing of goalie Jaroslav Halak was all the team needed to get into the win column. Halak was traded from St. Louis to Washington last season where Washington was not the play for him. His solid presence in net has stabilized the Islanders where they could easily be one of three Eastern Conference teams to reach the Stanley Cup final.

Halak was not the only wise addition to the club. Both Johnny Boychuck and Nick Leddy were trade acquisitions to start the season. Both defensemen bring a Stanley Cup winning mentality and solid defensive support. They have straightened the blue line for the Islanders and could be a huge reason the team heads to the Eastern Conference Championship.

My Projected end of season rank: 4

in NHL – 2

in Eastern Conference

6. Montreal Canadians (22-11-2 46 points)

A serious four way tie for fourth place in the NHL has the Montreal Canadians wanting to win. The Habs will look to extend their two game win streak with games coming up with three current non-playoff teams who are struggling. The play of Max Pacioretty and Alex Galchenyuk have this teams hopes of high for a run in the playoffs.

Goalie Carie Price looks to avoid his tenth loss of the season where he also looks to become the second goalie in the NHL to break 20 wins. His 2.23 save percentage is currently a career high, but there are still 47 more games for Montreal.

My Projected end of season rank: 6

in NHL – 4

in Eastern Conference

7. Tampa Bay Lightning (21-11-4 46 points)

Tyler Johnson has seemed to avoid the sophomore slump quite easily. Johnson leads even Steven Stamkos in scoring for the Lightning by one point, but owns the team with a +23. He is at 37 points to this point and is on pace to crush last season’s career high 50 points.

Ben Bishop has continued his performance of last season that saw him finish third in the Vezina Trophy race. Bishop suffered a lower body injury on December 15

, but is set to return after the NHL holiday break. Though his save percentage and goals against are lower and higher than he would like, Bishop owns a 16-6-2 record and could near last season’s career year. I do not believe Ben Bishop at this point is a Vezina candidate.

My Projected end of season rank: 5

in NHL – 3

in Eastern Conference

8. St. Louis Blues (21-10-3 45 points)

The Blues are the feel good story of the year for Missouri, not to neglect the KC Royals, but they have done what was expected without Jaroslav Halak who they trade to Washington. Instead young goaltender Jake Allen has exceeded what was expected from him as backup to Elliott. Elliott sustain an injury that has kept him out for quite some time. In 18 games, Allen is 11-4-2 and since being basically the starter over legend Martin Brodeur (signed due to Elliott’s injury) he has gone 5-2-2 (one overtime loss was the game Elliott left with his injury.)

St. Louis owes their young star Vladimir Tarasenko much credit as he has exploded this season, the 23 year old has 20 goals and leads St. Louis with 37 points. Young defensive stud Kevin Shattenkirk continues his offensive dominance with 23 assists and 28 points on the second, second on the team in scoring to Tarasenko.

My Projected end of season rank: 7^th in NHL – 3^rd in Western Conference

9. Detroit Red Wings (18-8-9 45 points)

Detroit had a bit of a scare in December where they lost six in a row. After a 6-3 win over the Buffalo Sabers, the Wings look to get back on track with the hopeful return of Jimmy Howard and after the New Year at some point Jonas Gustavsson.

One bright spot for Detroit has been Gustav Nyquist playing in his first full season with the Wings. His 22 points rank fourth among Red Wing players while his -7 has been his Achilles heal, only Johan Franzen has played worse defensively.

My Projected end of season rank: 8

in NHL – 5

in Eastern Conference

10. Toronto Maple Leafs (20-12-3 43 points)

While I love the Leafs, I do not feel the Leafs will continue their success to a “T” but should stay in range of a playoff spot. James Reimer and Jonathan Bernier have not always played their best hockey in Toronto, while Reimer continues to produce sub-par numbers, Bernier has proven why he should be number 1 alone in Toronto. His 14-8-3 record and 2.65 goals against average with a .921 save percentage make Reimer’s look like AHL rookie goalie numbers at 6-4-0 3.26GAA and .907 SV%. The Leafs could turn to trading Reimer who has the remainder of this season and one more on his contract.

Phil Kessel has been great offensively but defensively the entire team has been pretty terrible. Mike Santorelli is contributing in both aspects with 23 points and a plus-14.

My Projected end of season rank: 12

in NHL – 7

in Eastern Conference

11. San Jose Sharks (19-11-5 43 points)

The San Jose Sharks have been very quiet to start the season. None the less, they are once again in the playoff race. Before the holiday break, the Sharks had won eight of the last ten and earn at least one point in nine of those ten.

Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton each have 20 or more assists, while Joe Pavelski and Logan Couture are scoring goals. Antti Niemi shut the door on Alex Stalock, who many though would be San Jose’s number one this season. Niemi is 14-7-4 with a 2.12 goals against. Stalock sits 4-3-1 with a 2.44 goals against average.

My Projected end of season rank: 20

in NHL – 9

in Western Conference

12. Winnipeg Jets (18-10-7 43 points)

Winnipeg has played some of their best hockey since making their only playoff appearance in Atlanta. The play of rookie goaltender Michael Hutchinson has been their key to success. The 24 year old Ontario, Canada native is 8-2-2 with a league leading 1.67 goals against and .944 save percentage. If Winnipeg continues to ride this kid, there is a chance they make the playoffs as Ondrej Pavelec has proven time and time again to be a worthy backup.

Evander Kane is the weakest link “super star” once again for Winnipeg. Picked #4 in 2009, Kane has never lived up to the hype in Atlanta or Winnipeg. The Jets could trade Kane and win a key roster play with a good pick or prospect, but the kid needs to get out of dodge before his NHL career tanks completely.

My Projected end of season rank: 23

in NHL – 12

in Western Conference

13. Vancouver Canucks (20-11-2 42 points)

The addition in goal has been one of the best things for Vancouver when they picked up Ryan Miller. Eddie Lack was demolished last season proving he needed some more mentoring. Miller has come in and posted an 18-7-0 record so far for the Canucks allowing a 2.59 goals against. While Eddie Lack also posts a 2.59 goals against, he is 2-4-2 for Vancouver.

Henrik and Daniel Sedin have been revitalized by Radim Vrbata and lead the Canucks with 59 points combine, while Vrbata has helped with 25 more points. Trading away Ryan Kesler has seemed to be a winner as Nick Bonino has 8 goals and 13 helpers, Luca Sbisa has 2 goals and 2 assists but sits a -7.

My Projected end of season rank: 10

in NHL – 4

in Western Conference

14. Los Angeles Kings (17-11-7 41 points)

Defending the cup title seems to be the hardest thing to do compared to anyother sport. They should know that having won the title two of three years. Los Angeles has been all but out of the gate again this season, it seems to be their motto, start slow and finish hard.

Jeff Carter leads the team with 26 points, while Jonathan Quick has been fairly decent at 14-8-6. Los Angeles again is relaying on solid goaltending while their scoring production is low. Only four players at this point have twenty or more points, Williams at 19 looks to be number five.

My Projected end of season rank: 16

in NHL – 7

in Western Conference

15. New York Rangers (18-10-4 40 points)

The New York Rangers, much like the Los Angeles Kings are hanging low after their last season. Losing in five games to the Kings for the cup had to Rangers in a sad place this off-season. The month of December has been very friendly playing only 9 games before the holiday break going into the break with six straight wins.

Rick Nash has finally found a rhythm in New York and has 23 goals on the season adding 13 apples and a plus-16. If he and Henrik Lundqvist can continue to play well, New York could find themselves in the playoffs again, but it cannot come down to just them.

My Projected end of season rank: 17

in NHL – 10

in Eastern Conference

16. Washington Capitals (17-11-6 40 points)

Washington continues to be mediocre with Braden Holtby in net. Though his numbers have been decent this season at 15-8-5, Holtby’s save percentage has been brutal at .917. The 25 year old goaltender is looking to carry his team to the playoffs and it might just happen.

Alex Ovechkin has played fairly well but not anything near his 51 goal past season. The captain in second in scoring on the team with 28 points while Nicklas Backstrom leaded the team with 36. 22 year old Evgeny Kuznetsov and 19 year old Andre Burakovsky are playing pretty low for what is expect, but each posted 13 points this season.

My Projected end of season rank: 11

in NHL – 6

in Eastern Conference

17. Boston Bruins (18-14-3 39 points)

After his Vezina winning season, Tuukka Rask has struggled out of the gate for Boston this season. He is only four games above .500, his 10 losses are five less than last season’s total. Tuukka’s .912 save percentage is also a career low thus far with the exception of his four game rookie start in 2007-08.

Another dead spot for Boston is their lack of scoring, their leading scorer Patrice Bergeron only has 26 points, and Brad Marchand leads the team with 10 goals. If Boston expects to make the playoffs, scoring needs to increase and goaltending needs to tighten up.

My Projected end of season rank: 15

in NHL – 9

in Eastern Conference

18. Calgary Flames (18-15-3 39 points)

How can anyone overlook the amazing start to the season Calgary had. December exposed weaknesses in Calgary and brought them down to earth where they have gone 3-7-1. Mike Giordano has come blazing through the gates with 34 points in 36 games, only twice this season has he gone back to back games without a point. He does not have a point in only nine games so far this season.

If the Flames expect to continue their success, Juri Hudler will need to continue his dominance. Hudler like Giordano has stepped up huge for the young club, Hudler has 33 points in 35 games this season. While rookie Johnny Gaudreau has 27 points, including his first career hat trick on December 22

against the Los Angeles Kings. He has four goals in his previous two games going into the holiday break.

My Projected end of season rank: 19

in NHL – 8

in Western Conference

19. Florida Panthers (15-9-8 38 points)

Florida has played well to begin the season, they have played a few games less than most every team but the solid goaltending from Roberto Luongo has been a big mark for them. Luongo is 13-7-6 to start the season with Florida and Al Montoya is 2-2-2 behind him.

Florida’s biggest downfall this season is their lack of scoring. Their leading scorer only has 19 points, Nick Bjugstad and Aaron Ekblad are tied. The lack of scoring will not be friendly down the stretch when defenses around the league tighten up.

My Projected end of season rank: 18

in NHL – 11

in the Eastern Conference

20. Minnesota Wild (16-13-3 35 points)

The Wild have not really played up to the expectation of many. Darcy Kuemper, like many expected to, has taken over the number one spot even though he is playing barely over .500. He and Backstrom share a .901 save percentage, while is nothing for either goalie to be proud of. Niklas Backstrom is 5-3-3 and has allowed 32 goals on 322 shots.

Scoring has not been giant for the Wild, but they still get it done with four players over twenty points and twelve with more than ten. Nino Niederreiter has a team leading 14 goals with a team worst minus-11.

My Projected end of season rank: 21

in NHL – 10

in Western Conference

21. Philadelphia Flyers (14-14-6 34 points)

Philadelphia has had one of those seasons that they would rather forget, the holiday break gives them just that chance. Though they have won three straight, they cannot find a way to finish games. Even with Jakub Vorachek have a career year, he leads the Flyers with 46 points.

Claude Giroux has caught fire this season as well, his 41 points have him tied for third in the entire NHL. The key to a Flyer turn around will be Steve Mason in goal. After a revitalized 2013 season with the Flyers, Steve is struggling once again. At 6-10-5, Mason looks to improve his win column as the Flyers look to improve on defense. His goals against average and save percentage are better than some teams above Philadelphia, so the issue is not Mason in goal.

My Projected end of season rank: 14

in NHL – 8

in Eastern Conference

22. Ottawa Senators (14-14-6 34 points)

The Senators are really just playing their norm this season. Their leading goal scorer is Captain Defensemen Erik Karlsson, his 23 points are tied with Kyle Turris as the both have 7 goals and 16 assists. Karlsson though is -14 as he is having trouble shutting down top scorers on other teams.

Robin Lehner and Craig Anderson cannot stay in the win category, Anderson is 8-9-4 where his goals against are not too terrible allowing 51 goals on 719 shots. Robin Lehner on the other hand has nearly three goals against per game and is 6-5-2.

My Projected end of season rank: 25

in NHL – 13

in Eastern Conference

23. Colorado Avalanche (13-13-8 34 points)

Colorado has had a tough start, lack of chemistry, injuries, goalie confidence lacking in Semyon Varlamov and Reto Berra. When healthy, Varlamov seems to have lost his Vezina touch from last season. After a shutout in his return against the St. Louis Blues, Varlamov would look to build on that for confidence after the holiday break.

Scoring has evaded Colorado until their 11 goals in three games, six players currently have twenty plus points while two more players are one point away. Erik Johnson is playing with confidence of late while Colorado prays Nathan MacKinnon, Matt Duchene, Ryan O’Reilly and Gabe Landeskog can all catch fire, if they do, look out.

My Projected end of season rank: 13

in NHL – 6

in Western Conference

24. Dallas Stars (14-14-5 33 points)

Dallas traded for big wig Jason Spezza, after a slow start Spezza has 25 points and looks to heat up. Tyler Seguin has been MVP material this season and could be a top candidate for the Hart. His 42 points are second in the NHL and his 25 goals lead the NHL.

Kari Lehtonen his pulling all the weight for Dallas in net, his backup Anders Lindback cannot win a game to save his life. The one he did win, came in relief against Edmonton on the 21

of December. His goals against average is an embarrassing 4.29 while his save percentage is no better at .864.

My Projected end of season rank: 22

in NHL – 11

in Western Conference

25. Columbus Blue Jackets (14-16-3 31 points)

Columbus has played huge of late, posting an 8-1-1 record. They were dead in the water at 6-15-5 and things were looking like Connor McDavid could be headed to Ohio. Sergei Bobrovsky has been fairly decent, while Curtis Mcelhinney has been miserable, almost as bad as Anders Lindback for Dallas.

Lack of scoring has not been an issue for Nick Foligno or Ryan Johansen as the both have 30 points, though defense has been a huge issue for the team. Eight players are minus-10 or worse and 27 of 31 players to play in a Blue Jackets game are minus-1 or worse.

My Projected end of season rank: 24

in NHL – 12

in Eastern Conference

26. New Jersey Devils (12-17-7 31 points)

The story in New Jersey is Cory Schneider, he has started 32 of New Jersey’s 36 games. He has faced 926 shots and has played 1,840 minutes, when New Jersey said he would be the number one they were not kidding. Keith Kinkaid and Scott Clemmensen have started four games and are 1-1-3 in those four games.

Lack of goal scoring is killing the Devils, it would not hurt the Devils to finish in the bottom five this season, maybe they can land a key goal scorer to help out Adam Henrique. Henrique and old timer Jaromir Jagr lead the Devils with a whopping 20 points. New Jersey fired Coach Peter Deboer and hired, Adam Oates and Scott Stevens who will also be assisted by Lou Lamoriello the general manager of the Devils.

My Projected end of season rank: 26

in NHL – 14

in Eastern Conference

27. Buffalo Sabers (13-19-3 29 points)

Buffalo sent down number two pick Sam Reinhart to start the season, a certainly good thing for the kid. So without their future leader and captain, Buffalo started the season horribly as expect, but found fire at the end of November. But since a 5-1 loss to Winnipeg, they have lost four straight, 5-1 to Colorado, 3-4 O in Boston and 6-3 against Detroit as defense evades Buffalo.

Goaltending is an issue that will continue to be exposed down the stretch. Michal Neuvirth, the season starter and number one, went down with an injury and posts a 3-8-1 record. Jhonas Enroth has played better of late than to start the season but holds a sorry 10-11-2 record allowing a GAA of 3.05.

My Projected end of season rank: 27

in NHL – 15

in the Eastern Conference

28. Arizona Coyotes (12-18-4 28 points)

Keith Yandle and Oliver Ekman-Larsson lead their team with 105 shots each, their nearest teammate is Shane Doan with 82. Lack of offensive shooting has Arizona in need of goals. A trade of one of their top two defensemen could bring a legit goal scorer into Arizona.

Mike Smith has played like a rookie this season, even his backup Devan Dubnyk has played better. Smith is 5-15-2 this season and his save percentage is .884 with 3.48 goals against average. A trade could benefit this team to come out on fire next season.

My Projected end of season rank: 29

in NHL – 14

in Western Conference

29. Carolina Hurricanes (10-20-4 24 points)

What has happened to Cam Ward? Lack of scoring is what has happened, Ward is still posting legitimate numbers, but the team is not helping him win. Backup Anton Khudobin feels the same way, though his numbers are not quite as nice, they are still better than many goalies of about teams. Ward is 9-12-2 while Khudobin is 1-8-1.

Justin Faulk is leading the club with 20 points, while seven others sit with 13-18 points. Lack of confidence his eating at the Hurricane goal scorers while they also wait for Jordan Staal to recover from a broken fibula. J.Staal could return in the next month and could hopefully spark a very sad Carolina team.

My Projected end of season rank: 30

in NHL – 16

in Eastern Conference

30. Edmonton Oilers (7-21-7 21 points)

No one can figure out the Edmonton Oilers, they have three #1 overall picks, a #3 all in their current lineup. Their defense is not a horrible list of names, but seems to have no connection. Their goaltending has been disgusting and this team is playing like all they want is a fourth #1 overall in the lineup.

The firing of Coach Dallas Eakins has not helped change a thing nor did the firing of their goaltending coach. At this point the only thing that saves Edmonton is a trade sending away a top notch guy like Taylor Hall or Ryan Nugent-Hopkins who are the top two scorers on their team. Jordan Eberle could also be trade bait for a serious goaltender or defensive player along with other assets.

My Projected end of season rank: 28

in NHL – 13

in Western Conference

*All projections are personal opinion and speculation, I take into account a lot more than just guessing, I did not put what teams need to change or expect for the rest of the season, just a little update of the teams with the addition of a speculated guess.

Thanks for reading