By Mark Pukalo
Balance is word in the NHL.
With variables such as
unsigned RFAs, injuries and salary cap concerns clouding the scene in October,
it is almost impossible to be confident about picking the final order in each
division.
Yes, it would be surprising
if one way or another Tampa Bay, Washington, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Nashville and
Dallas did not make the postseason. But figuring out who rises and falls behind
them will depend on many factors.
The Lightning and perhaps
Montreal, assuming Carey Price is there all season, look like the top two in
the Atlantic. After that, any order wouldn’t be a shocker. It's all about Washington
and Pittsburgh in the Metropolitan. Picking the order out of a hat would
be just as good as deep analysis for the rest. The Central should be as close
as last season and the California teams are not assured of being the top three
in the Pacific.
So, of course, I’m going to
take a stab at predicting the finish. Why not?
ATLANTIC
Tampa Bay
– The Lightning are the most talented team in the division by quite a bit,
especially with Nikita Kucherov signed. It’s Jonathan Drouin’s time to shine
alongside Steven Stamkos.
Montreal –
Price makes a big difference for team that is not really good defensively. The
main concern is that those in the locker room that wanted P.K. Subban gone are
going to have to sink or swim without him -- and may drown.
Ottawa
– First-year coach Guy Boucher can get the best out of this group and there is
a little cap space to work with. While others in the division are a little
boring, the Senators may have the spark to make a leap.
Boston
– Hate to put the Bears back in the playoffs, but think they may cycle toward
the positive. Still need to add a defenseman though to help Tuukka Rask. Cam
Fowler or Jacob Trouba?
--
Detroit
– Still weak on defense and Petr Mrazek can’t save them every night. Have an
abundance of forwards and shipping a few for Trouba or Fowler would make sense,
perhaps moving the Wings to third.
Buffalo
– The Sabres are on the rise, but still may be little shy of reaching the top
four. They should build and prepare for their arrival as a playoff contender
next season instead of putting bandaids on.
Florida
– Two of their top six forwards – Jonathan Huberdeau and Nick Bjugstad -- are
out injured and their top scorer is like 50 years old. Just have a feeling they
take two steps back before moving forward again in 2017-18.
Toronto
– The Leafs will be a fun team to watch with their talented youth and could
stay in contention for a while. The bottom six in this division could go any
way.
METROPOLITAN
Washington
– The Caps might not be better than the Penguins overall, but would expect them to win
the division again. Still not sure their defense is good enough to win a Cup.
Pittsburgh
– GM Jim Rutherford won his second Cup last season with a little luck and some
smart moves (Carl Hagelin, Trevor Daley, Justin Schultz, etc.). The same group
tries to do it again, but there is a concern with Sidney Crosby’s concussion.
New York Rangers – Would like to push them down a bit, but the
Blueshirts always seem to put together enough streaks to be in the top four. If King Henrik’s play slips, though, so will the Rangers.
Carolina
– Must throw in one new team on the rise and the Canes are well coached, have
an emerging young defense and some improving pieces up front. They have more
cap space than any team in the league, too.
--
Philadelphia – Could see the Metro getting five teams in again this
season with this improving team as part of the mix. Not totally convinced their
defense and goaltending is ready for prime time, except for the Ghost.
Columbus
– Picked them to win the division a year ago. Then they went 0-8-0. If the
Jackets can ever stay healthy for a full season, John Tortorella could return them
to the postseason.
New York Islanders – Andrew Ladd sort of replaces Kyle Okposo, but
did Garth Snow go out and get John Tavares linemates? Nope. These guys always
find ways to win games to stay around, but just think they may come up short
this time.
New Jersey
– The addition of Taylor Hall and a healthy Mike Cammalieri will help, but this
team looks to be a year away from being a true contender. Cory Schneider may
steal them plenty of wins though.
CENTRAL
Chicago
– The Blackhawks probably aren’t as deep as the three teams below them on this
list, but coaching and their stars will push them over the top.
Nashville
– Pekka Rinne better be sharper than he was Saturday in Tampa, but the
Predators have the roster to win the West. Get ready for that P.K. Subban
country album.
Dallas
– Injuries, especially with Tyler Seguin, are a concern. Still, the Stars may
be a Ben Bishop away from being a series Cup contender.
St. Louis
– It’s Jake Allen’s show now. Can he do it? The Blues learned how to win a
little in the playoffs last time around. That could help.
--
Winnipeg
– This team is coming, but they must make a good trade with Trouba. The defense
is a little thin.
Minnesota
– The Wild still needs to make that Jonas Brodin for a top-nine forward deal.
Colorado
– A team in transition that is still lacking in its own end.
PACIFIC
San Jose
– The last hurrah for Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton after coming up just
short last season. The Sharks could use some cap space.
Anaheim
– The Ducks are in a holding pattern with forward Rickard Rakell and defenseman
Hampus Lindholm still unsigned. They must wait to make sure they have Lindholm
before dealing Fowler for forward help. If everything works out, they could win
West.
Edmonton
– They are ready. No turning back now. Connor McDavid leads a talented forward
corps and vastly under-rated Adam Larsson will help the defense.
Los Angeles – Have to think Drew Doughty and Jonathan Quick will find a
way to get the Kings into the postseason, but it ain’t going to be easy.
---
Arizona
– The Coyotes boast an exciting young roster that is still evolving. Dave
Tippett must find a way to bring it together and his track record says he will.
Watch out Kings.
Calgary
– The Flames finally got a deal for Johnny Gaudreau done Monday and can move
forward with a promising lineup. Goaltending is a concern.
Vancouver
– Could be in the running for the first pick in the draft, which would probably be better than plugging holes to try and give the Sedins a chance to sneak into
the playoffs one of their final two years.
East final
– Tampa Bay over Pittsburgh
West final
– Nashville over San Jose
Stanley Cup –
Tampa Bay over Nashville
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