2008-2009 Predictions thread

[Psyblast]

Predict divisions, playoff order, award winners, etc.

[Vince]

Regular season wise.

Tampa is gonna finish 1st

Detroit is getting the presidents trophy again.

PHX, Chicago = making the playoffs. All have made good additions. Columbus should challenge again. I think Colorado is out, potentially Minnesota as well. Edmonton might make it, but I donèt know how good Garon really is, nor do I think Cole is enough to push them over the top. Calgary, Dallas, Detroit who I mentioned, all playoff teams as per usual.

The Blues are a team that has talent. Brad Boyes was amazing last season. They have a good blue line and some nice players like Kariya and Stempniak of course Tkachuk. They might surprise. Every year they always make a late run or just play decent enough to be brutal. Typical of Andy Murray teams in the last few seasons.

Back to the East, Montreal should have no problem finishing in the top 3. Boston I think will be better with Bergie back healthy. Bottom line, the East got worse imo. Pittsburgh isn't that scary. Crosby's potential linemates include Miro Satan. Yikes. The rest of the teams = crapshoot. The Isle aren"t that good, despite Streit. Sabres I think are going to be fine. They know how to replace players. Roy and Pominville are excellent players.

MVP = Iginla
Vezina = Lundquist
Rocket Richard = Alex O. I think he'll score 50-58 goals this season.

Well that's my preview, i didn't really say that much that anyone didn't know, but im excited for hockey to start!!!!

[Money99]

Western Conference
1. Detroit
2. San Jose
3. Colorado
4. Dallas
5. Anaheim
6. Minnesota
7. Chicago
8. Vancouver
9. Phoenix
10. Calgary
11. Edmonton
12. Columbus
13. Nashville
14. St. Louis
15. Los Angeles

Detroit has too much depth and is still in the weakest division in the West.
Calgary doesn't make the playoffs because they lost Nolan, Tanguay and Huselius and added Bertuzzi and Cammeleri. They were middle of the pack for goals and I don't see this as an upgrade.
Vancouver will have a healthy blueline, Demitra's replaces Naslund, Bernier will be an upgrade from Morrison, the Sedins are ready to lead and I think Mason Raymond will have a big sophomore year. On top of that, I think everyone will see a more determined Kyle Wellwood. That should help their PP in a large way.
Seeds 5 thru 12 will be insanely close. Probably separated by 10 points or less.

Eastern Conference
1. Philadelphia
2. Montreal
3. Carolina
4. Pittsburgh
5. NY Rangers
6. New Jersey
7. Washington
8. Boston
9. Buffalo
10. Tampa Bay
11. Ottawa
12. Florida
13. Toronto
14. Atlanta
15. NY Islanders

Philly simply has too much depth. Briere suffered the typical 'first year FA' doldrums so I expect him to rebound in a big way. Especially if Gagne is healthy. Richards and Carter will be even better and I see Cobourn having a breakout type season.
I know TB seems to be the sexy pick these days but I still believe they're going to struggle. They added too many new faces, and I don't know how well that will do for chemistry. The smart pick is to keep the Prospal-Vinny-St.Louis line together, but I see FA's like Malone, Recchi and Roberts struggling. Carle should help the departed Boyle, but I don't know if he'll have the same effect. If the team had more depth to begin with, like Philly did after they rebounded from junk to gold, I might have them make the playoffs. But I don't see that happening. Maybe next year.
I also think Buffalo has a strong chance to make the playoffs over Boston.
Carolina is my sleeper pick. If not for injuries, I truly believe they could have made some noise last year. But this year, adding Pitkanen to the blueline gives them more depth and I see Staal becoming a man this year. I wouldn't be surprised if he finishes in the top 5 scoring and garners Hart Trophy consideration.
Finally, I'll be shocked if Ottawa makes the playoffs. They lost a lot of players, their goaltending is still a mess and the nucleaus they have there needs to shake the 'lazy' and 'spoiled' tag before I'll give them a chance. On top of that, it's been rumored that Hartsburg will keep the Capital Punishment Line seperate. That's a bad idea. In a league where playoffs spots are won by November 1st*, it would be in his best interest to ride that big line to some early victories to get the team in front.


Predictions
Stanley Cup Winner: San Jose beats Philly in 7.
This is the year that the Sharks get over the hump. I fully expect Cheechoo, Michalek and Pavalski to improve from last years dreadfull performance. Sedeguchi will also continue to improve on last yeas impressive season.
Marleau is the biggest question mark. Will he be like former Sharks before him and fizzle after a great start to his career? (Falloon, Friesen...). If he can regain his 70-point form I think this team will fly through the season and playoffs. If guys that I've mentioned above rebound, I think Marleau will too, seeing as two of those players will more than likely be on his line.
I want to say Detroit will be there, and I think they'll still do well. But the Cup hangover is a real thing. They'll need their younger players, along with Hossa, to give them jump when they need it. If Franzen can prove last year was no fluke, Filpulla & Hudler take the next step and they can stay healthy, I wouldn't be surprised if they repeat.

Awards:
Art Ross: Crosby
Hart Trophy: Luongo
Rocket Richard: Ovechkin
Vezina: Luongo
Conn Smythe: Joe Thornton
Calder: Patrik Berglund (St.Louis)

*USAToday's Kevin Allen ran an article a couple of years ago showing that 90% of the teams that are in the playoff picture by November 1st, stay there. In most cases, one team from each conference might slip out. But by and large, for the past 30 years, if you're in the top 8 by Hallowe'en, you'll be there in spring.

[OSUFan_88]

I'll only make one prediction.

Calder: Jakub Voreack

[DrJones]

Quote: Originally Posted by Money99

This is the year that the Sharks get over the hump.

The Sharks have firmly entrenched themselves in my "I'll believe it when I see it" zone.

[Scottdau]

Quote: Originally Posted by DrJones

The Sharks have firmly entrenched themselves in my "I'll believe it when I see it" zone.

Sad but true! If this new coach can't get them to play a full 60 minutes and all out, watch out they will be very tough to beat. But that is a big IF! I think Clowe is the answer. I love that kid!

[Donovan]

Quote: Originally Posted by Vince

Regular season wise. Tampa is gonna finish 1st

Huh? Tampa 1st in the east? Or do you mean 1st pick in next years draft....

[Vince]

Quote: Originally Posted by Donovan

Huh? Tampa 1st in the east? Or do you mean 1st pick in next years draft....

I think the East sucks this year.

It's my personal prediction.

I told my friend that also, he had had the exact same reaction you did.

[SPTO]

I only have two predictions to make

1. By some twist of fate and because God hates us the Leafs will flirt with a playoff spot this year and ruin their chance at getting the #1 pick.

2. The Habs will be this year's Penguins.

[ohyeahbaby123]

Quote: Originally Posted by Vince

I think the East sucks this year. It's my personal prediction. I told my friend that also, he had had the exact same reaction you did.

Meh... I disagree. I don't think the Pens lost enough firepower to give up a spot to Tampa. Crosby makes anyone look good, and a Staal/Malkin/Sykora line is not a bad second line. If Fleury can be consistently good, then I think we could contend for a top spot.

There is my homer post for the day.