Standings Predictions/Projections?

[Jntg4]

I was looking up predictions/projections yesterday, and only could find fan-made ones by various NHL fans.

One guy had none of the following making it: Vancouver, Boston, Chicago, but had the non-existent Atlanta Thrashers in it, so that's just some dumb guy methinks.

But I have heard a lot of people saying that the Hawks will win the Central or at least beat out Detroit with Nashville winning it (none of these were Hawks fans AFAIK).

Others had Detroit as 1st seed, so there has been tons of variance in what I've seen.

Does anybody know where I can find some expert projections? Or do you guys have any NHL standings predictions of your own?

 

[tbo41fan]

too early yet for official picks from writers/experts

 

[TheChicagoFan]

I think the top 3 in the west will be 1. LA 2. Blackhawks/Wings 3. Vancouver
4th will be whoever is 2nd in the central.

 

[southern_cross_116]

I agree with tbo - I think it is probably too early.

In general, some good places to looks would be:

The Hockey News (I think thn.com - but search it to be sure).

or TSN.ca

plus I think there is 'canoe' something that is a majore Canadian sports site.

___

Imo, injuries (or staying healthy as a team) generally determines the top 3's order anyways. Say a couple of seasons ago the Hawks' missed the top seed in the west by a point; it didn't make any difference when they came up against San Jose (although a lot of goofs making the predictions made a big issue about the Sharks having finished above Chicago - which basically ought to tell you a lot about some of the "professionals" writing about hockey. Being paid doesn't amount to knowing about the topic ( basically saying be aware of your sources is all -there are a fair few guys out there just being paid to fill up a space under a deadline).

That being said, - perfect example: Stan Fischler - basically a New York area fan ... who used to get a national audience, used to pick the Islanders, Rangers, or Devils to win every year -based upon what team seemed to have the best run the season before --- completely useless when it comes to an actual league-wide analysis ... yet, a lot of people (say journalists) picked up on the guy -simply because he was from NY and had the NY sized audience.

 

[LonghornBob]

I think the top 3 in the west will be 1. LA 2. Blackhawks/Wings 3. Vancouver
4th will be whoever is 2nd in the central.

Agree 100%.

 

[icehogfan08]

It is kind of hard to tell right now. If Vancouver's division is anything like last year, they will probably be 1 or 2 seed. LA is going to have to fight out SJ and the Ducks, while the Hawks battle the Wings, Preds, and you can even throw the Jackets in their depending on what Steve Mason shows up

 

[Gunzaan]

Predictions are like assholes. Everyone has one.

Let's get 30-50% into the seasons before predictions are serious.

 

[TheChicagoFan]

It is kind of hard to tell right now. If Vancouver's division is anything like last year, they will probably be 1 or 2 seed. LA is going to have to fight out SJ and the Ducks, while the Hawks battle the Wings, Preds, and you can even throw the Jackets in their depending on what Steve Mason shows up

That's true. LA does have a tougher division than the Nucks. I still think that LA is STACKED.