It is that time of year again— yes the best time of year, the start of the National Hockey League season.  After a busy summer of player moves the question is, Who will win the Stanley Cup? and will my favorite team make the playoffs?   Well here is this seasons predictions from the Inside Edge Hockey News.

2016-2017 NHL Predictions

PACIFIC DIVISION

1- Anaheim Ducks – 104 pts

2 – San Jose Sharks – 100 pts

3 – Calgary Flames – 95 pts

4 – Edmonton Oilers – 92 pts

5 – Los Angeles Kings – 90 pts

6 – Arizona Coyotes – 88 pts

7 – Vancouver Canucks – 68 pts

The Pacific Division features some teams that are aging and some teams that are young and ready to breakout.  Los Angeles will fall off pace this year, and Calgary and Edmonton will move up.

CENTRAL DIVISION

1 – St. Louis Blues – 101 pts

2 – Dallas Stars – 100 pts

3 – Chicago Blackhawks – 99 pts

4 – Nashville Predators – 96 pts WC

5 – Winnipeg Jets – 95 pts WC

6 – Minnesota Wild – 88 pts

7 – Colorado Avalanche – 70 pts

The Central Division remains strong.  Any of the top 3 teams could win this division.  Minnesota will slip up a bit.  Lack of offense will hold them back.  The Jets and Predators will earn Wildcard spots.  The beasts of the west come from the Central Division.

ATLANTIC DIVISION

1- Tampa Bay Lightning – 109 pts

2 – Florida Panthers – 104 pts

3 – Boston Bruins – 101 pts

4 – Montreal Canadiens – 96 pts WC

5 – Ottawa Senators – 88 pts

6 – Detroit Red Wings – 78 pts

7 – Buffalo Sabres – 77 pts

8 – Toronto Maple Leafs – 76 pts

Tampa Bay will run away with this division.  Florida will continue to improve, and I look for Boston to bounce back.  Buffalo and Toronto will be improved but still struggle for a few more years.  Yes, Detroit will not make the playoffs.

METROPOLITAN DIVISION

1 – Washington Capitals – 106 pts

2 – Pittsburgh Penguins – 103 pts

3 – Philadelphia Flyers – 98 pts

4 – New York Rangers – 90 pts WC

5 – Carolina Hurricanes – 88 pts

6 – New Jersey Devils – 86 pts

7 – New York Islanders – 80 pts

8 – Columbus Blue Jackets – 72 pts

This will be Washington’s year.  They will win the division again, and roll into the playoffs.  Philadelphia will surprise some teams, and the New York Rangers will hang on to earn a wildcard spot.  The Islanders will be the team that falls off pace.

PLAYOFF – CONFERENCE FINALS

STANLEY CUP FINALS

STANLEY CUP CHAMPION