2011-12 NHL Predictions

Predictions from a guy who thinks he know hockey:


WEST:

1. Los Angeles Kings
2. Chicago Blackhawks
3. Vancouver Canucks
4. San Jose Sharks
5. Detroit Red Wings
6. Anaheim Ducks
7. St. Louis Blues
8. Nashville Predators

9. Columbus Blue Jackets
10. Colorado Avalanche
11. Calgary Flames
12. Minnesota Wild
13. Phoenix Coyotes
14. Dallas Stars
15. Edmonton Oilers

Summary:

The Kings finish first in the West simply because they have 4 well rounded lines, a solid top 6 defense, led by newly signed Drew Doughty and a young goaltending tandem of Jonathan Quick and Jonathan Bernier who are only getting better. The Blackhawks are back to compete for the Cup and will win the Central division. The Cup hangover the Blackhawks went through last year will transfer to the Canucks who will be without 40-goal man Ryan Kesler until November. The Blues should finally breakout this season as they make the playoffs while the Preds once again do it by committee and squeak into the 8^th spot. 8^th, 9^th, 10^thand 11^th spot are the toughest to predict as I feel only 1 or 2 points will separate these teams.

EAST:

1. Washington Capitals

2. Pittsburgh Penguins
3. Boston Bruins
4. Philadelphia Flyers
5. Montreal Canadiens
6. Buffalo Sabres
7. Tampa Bay Lightning
8. New York Rangers

9. New Jersey Devils
10. Carolina Hurricanes
11. Toronto Maple Leafs
12. Winnipeg Jets
13. New York Islanders
14. Ottawa Senators
15. Florida Panthers

Summary:

The Caps made some outstanding off-season moves and have always been a powerhouse in the regular season; everything comes down to the playoffs in Washington. The Penguins shouldn’t be without Sidney Crosby for too much of the season and with a healthy Evgeni Malkin, will compete with the Caps all season. The Canadiens are my pick as dark horse in the East, while the Sabres, Lightning and Rangers will all have something to say about that. The Devils will narrowly miss the playoffs by only 1 or 2 points. Finally sorry Leafs fans, but Tim Connolly will be injured all season (you shouldn’t be surprised) and putting all your faith in a goalie who went from #4 to #1 on the depth chart and only played in 37 games last season isn’t sitting well with me. The Panthers will finish dead last and pick 1^st overall next June.

PLAYOFFS:

Western Conference Finals- Blackhawks over Kings

Eastern Conference Finals- Penguins over Canadiens

Stanley Cup Finals- PENGUINS over BLACKHAWKS

AWARDS:

Hart Trophy- Jonathan Toews, CHI

Conn Smythe- Sidney Crosby, PITT
Norris Trophy- Shea Weber, NSH
Vezina Trophy- Carey Price, MON
Art Ross Trophy- Evgeni Malkin, PIT
Maurice Richard Trophy- Steven Stamkos, TB
Selke Trophy- Claude Giroux, PHI
Calder Trophy- Mark Scheifele, WPG
Jack Adams Trophy- Barry Trotz, NSH


- Nick Symon