But before we get to my predictions these are things I look forward to seeing and hearing about (scroll down to find the predictions, some are just for fun, and I don't mean to offend anyone by them):
Will the Broadway Blues look as good on the ice as they do on paper? With Rick Nash finally playing with a distinguished set-up man in Brad Richards I wouldn't be surprised if he breaks 30 goals (remember this is a shortened season). Oh, and the other winger is Marian Gaborik, is that even fair? If everyone stays healthy that line should produce 150+ points together and if Hank Lundqvist has another stellar season the President's Trophy should be their's to take. Their defense ain't half bad either and since its a young core you can anticipate gradual improvement to an already impressive lineup.
The LA Kings really got it together after the trade deadline picking up Jeff Carter and some other notable players that turned what was the 8th seed in the West into Stanley Cup champions. Their style of play is the definition of playoff hockey, and its amazing to watch them play. Can they play like this for 48+ games? Only time will tell, no team has repeated since Detroit did with Yzerman, but because of the shortened season, this could be an opportunity for the Kings to go the distance again.
I went to University in Thunder Bay, home of the Staal family. Though I never got to meet them each child I taught on my placement has their favourite Staal brother. Now that Eric and Jordan are playing on Carolina together I am excited to see the imaginative plays from their childhood days. Like New York, they have an up and coming defensive core and a great goalie in Cam Ward. I don't know how the line-ups will breakdown but there's plenty of talented wingers to partner up with the Staals (Alexander Semin and Jeff Skinner are the top two). If everyone melds and they pick up a couple veterans at the trade deadline they are certainly cup contenders in my eyes.
In terms of talent, the best team is Pittsburgh: Gino Malkin AND Sid the Kid Crosby are Lemieuxesque players, which means they can turn 2 average players into superstars (just like Kevin Stevens). I can't say prior to the 2010 Olympics I was a Crosby fan, and the memory of his overtime goal has been lost since he hasn't played in while. Hopefully he's back in full swing and ready to compete in potentially the best division in hockey.
The Flyers also have an abundance of youthful players that can explode onto the scene this year. Longevity isn't an issue with 34 games dropped off the schedule it should be a high flying pace for young guns like Brayden Schenn, Sean Courturier, Wayne Simmonds, Jakub Voracek and Matt Read They'll be a fun team to watch led by 'chel poster boy Claude Giroux.
A few days ago Brian Burke was axed as the Leafs GM. This was a Hallelujah moment for me, he's been nothing but trouble since he's been in Toronto. We have abandoned draft picks for a player who has yet to live up to hyperbolic expectations that Burke has pitched, and the players that have been drafted can't seem to break the NHL roster. Having two horrible GMs in a row has sunk all my immediate hopes of hearing "The Maple Leafs are Stanley Cup Contenders" any time soon. My heart still bleeds blue and white though. I like our team, but I'm not in love with it. All I can do is wish these men the best and sit back and hope for the best.
I'm curious to see if Columbus breaks 10 wins too.
Now for the fun part:
Hart Trophy: Steven Stamkos - Although I haven't talked about the Lightning this guy is the center of Tampa's offense and since Perry didn't make the playoffs last year it seems like you can carry a team offensively despite not making the playoffs.
Art Ross Trophy: Sidney Crosby - Malkin gets injured for 10+ games; Crosby averages 1.5+ points per game while he's gone.
Maurice Richard Trophy: Steven Stamkos. - He did it once. He'll do it again. Gets 35+.
Norris Trophy: Drew Doughty - Riding the high off a championship he'll play like one, hangover free. Karlsson and Chara are the other nominees.
Lady Byng Trophy: One of the Sedin Twins - These softies have it on lock down if their numbers don't change from the past few seasons and cut down on their penalties.
Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy: Sidney Crosby - A league leading points total will be labelled as a bounce-back year never to be seen again ultimately earning him the BMMT along with regaining the title of NHL poster boy.
Frank J. Selke Trophy: Jordan Staal - Probably the most underrated 2-way forward in the league in my opinion. Jordie gets it in a landslide. Get ready for this: 16 - 22 - 38 and +19
Calder Memorial Trophy: Mikael Granlund - Despite the Finns flopping as a team Granlund had an exceptional World Juniors, and with a better cast he should average a point every other game at the least.
Vezina Trophy: Pekka Rinne - Playing for a team that wins its games 2-1 or 1-0, Rinne's integral to Nashville and I hope the league recognizes that this year, assuming he get 20+ wins.
William M. Jennings Trophy: Johnathan Quick and Jonathan Bernier - Bernier is growing into a starter all his own and Quick is just too, for lack of a better word, quick.
Ted Lindsay Trophy: Steven Stamkos - Just so everyone gets invited to the party in Muskoka.
Mark Messier Leadership Award: Shane Doan - The embodiment of grit and leadership should be recognized for his loyalty as well as his contributions to a) the team that drafted him eons ago and b) the Phoenix community, again.
NHL Plus-Minus Award*: Marc Staal +23 - Playing behind a potent offence and his shut-down style, its almost inevitable.
King Clancy Memorial Trophy: N/A - In order to
win this award you have exemplify
leadership qualities on and off the ice and make a noteworthy humanitarian
contribution in his community, I won't take a guess here.
NHL Foundation Player Award: Taylor Hall - After a horrible accident last season resulting in this he does his fair share of "Play Safe" campaigns in Edmonton. Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award*: Carey Price - Honestly, total shot in the dark.
GM of the Year: Minnesota Wild's GM Chuck Fletcher - Grabbing the top two free agents then winning one round in the playoffs this year, he should get it.
Jack Adams Award: The Carolina Hurricanes' coach Kirk Muller - Settles no only Semin but sibling rivalries and a shaky start (1-5-2 (BTW: Does anyone know where the schedule is listed?)) and makes it to the second round of the playoffs.
President's Trophy: Pittsburgh Penguins.
I haven't found a website that shows the new 4 conference format, assuming that's still happening, but for playoff predictions, I'm assuming that every team will stay in their current East/West conference.
Prince of Wales Trophy: The New York Rangers defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins in 7.
Clarence S. Campbell Bowl: The Los Angeles Kings defeat the St. Louis Blues in 6.
Stanley Cup: The New York Rangers in 7.
Conn Smyth: Brad Richards earns his second playoff MVP trophy at this level, with the same coach, as he carries the team on his back, going above a point per game pace.
*As if these are awards now.
Mock me before any of this actually happens and, most of all, enjoy the season!
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