NHL Predictions for 2016-17 Regular Season - Pacific Division
NHL Predictions: The San Jose Sharks celebrate defeating the St. Louis Blues after game two of the Western Conference Final of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoff at Scottrade Center. The Sharks won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Preseason is winding to an end, which means it’s time for more NHL predictions for the upcoming 2016-17 regular season. This is a divisional preview sticking with the Western Conference, this time shifting to the Pacific Division.
From the best division in hockey to the worst, next in our NHL predictions is the Western Conference’s Pacific Division.
By the time the playoffs begin, many of the teams in this division will be praying for the number one pick in the draft rather than the Stanley Cup. However, the three teams from California will, again, be legitimate in the race to make a conference final appearance.
Calgary, Edmonton, and Arizona possess young teams, one of whom could surprise. However, they’re projects and could take a couple of years to fill out the glaring holes in their lineups.
Meanwhile, Vancouver has an aging squad reliant on the star Sedin twins. New signing Loui Eriksson will slot in perfectly on the top line alongside his fellow Swedes.
Tight at the top and bottom, the Pacific division will be an entertaining one to watch this season.
Oct 29, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Vancouver Canucks left wing Daniel Sedin (22) and right wing Radim Vrbata (17) and center Henrik Sedin (33) celebrate the goal by Vrbata against the Dallas Stars during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Canucks 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Vancouver Canucks, 7th – 69 points
Second worst in goals scored, eighth worst in goals conceded. Their power play was the fourth worst, while the penalty kill was the 17th. The Canucks were a bad team last season. Despite the offseason signing of Eriksson, they are set to be even worse.
Only four players had more than 40 points. While Eriksson should put up good numbers – he can also play both special teams and is a terrific defensive forward – he won’t cover all the cracks.
Christopher Tanev is a premier shutdown defenseman, but they lost Dan Hamhuis to free agency.
Even with the possibility of three other weak teams in the Pacific, the Canucks have too many holes throughout the lineup.
Bo Horvat is a decent number two center, but outside of him and the top line it’s a struggle to see where the goals will come from. They don’t have an offensive d-man – Ben Hutton got the most points from the blue-line last season with 25.
Oct 3, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) celebrates his goal against Vancouver Canucks goaltender Jacob Markstrom (not pictured) during the second period during a preseason hockey game at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Coyotes, 6th – 74 points
The Coyotes goalkeepers situation is slightly worrying. Neither Mike Smith nor Louis Domingue were particularly impressive. They will hope Domingue can start putting in huge performances and wrestle the number one position from Smith.
Elsewhere, the team doesn’t look much better. Conceding the third most goals last season, while only scoring the 24th most in the league. Oliver Ekman-Larsson – a defenseman – was the top points scorer last season, with 55. Only four forwards managed to get over 40 points.
The good news for the Coyotes is that two of their best players last campaign, Max Domi and Anthony Duclair, are under 22. Expect them both to improve their numbers, whilst rounding out their game.
On the back end, the signing of Alex Goligoski – although possibly overpaying – was important. He becomes their oldest d-man and is still only 31.
Give Arizona a couple of years with their young team and they could be pushing for the top of the Pacific. For now; worry about sticking with the Californian teams for as long as possible.
Oct 2, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames goalie Chad Johnson (31) watches the puck go past against the Winnipeg Jets during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Calgary Flames, 5th – 76 points
Last season, the Flames had no problem putting the puck in the net – they were 10th in scoring. However, the loss of Joe Colborne and Jiri Hudler will hurt them. Even though they signed Troy Brouwer to pick up some of the slack. Having yet to re-sign superstar Johnny Gaudreau with the season so close, the fans might start getting worried.
Apr 7, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) skates with the puck against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Calgary was dead last in goals conceded and penalty kill percentage – an issue that wasn’t fixed in the offseason. Kris Russell isn’t a particularly good defenseman, but they’ve yet to replace him…. With anyone.
Trading for Brian Elliott was inspired, and Chad Johnson is a more than capable backup. Elliott’s past three seasons read; goals allowed per game – 1.96, 2.26 and 2.07, save percentage – .922, .917 and .930.
Sam Bennett, TJ Brodie, Dougie Hamilton and Gaudreau will have big seasons. Elliot could single-handedly win them numerous games. But their defense is too leaky and the forward group won’t be able to cover for them.
Oct 4, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers left winger Patrick Maroon (19) celebrates with right winger Nail Yakupov (10 ) and defenceman Adam Larsson (6) after scoring a goal during the first period of a preseason hockey game at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports
Edmonton Oilers, 4th – 80 points
I know, I know – pretty bold prediction.
Apr 6, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Jordan Eberle (14) and forward Connor McDavid (97) discuss a plan prior to a face-off against the Vancouver Canucks at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
In a remarkable turn of events, the Oilers will have a decent season. With another season adjusting to Todd McLellan’s system they should be much better. Also, a full season of healthy Connor McDavid will be helpful.
Despite the trade for Adam Larsson (which was such a bad deal, by the way), they are still poor defensively. Oscar Klefbom will develop into a star on the blue line, possibly as early as this season. But Darnell Nurse doesn’t appear to be the stud they were expecting.
Cam Talbot had two fantastic years at the Rangers, including a save percentage of .941 in 21 games two seasons ago. He can keep them in games, but it’s a lot to ask for him to be brilliant with that defense in front of him.
Offensively last season they scored the 25th most goals, despite having a young, promising group. Losing Taylor Hall is huge, Milan Lucic won’t be the same threat as him. But McDavid and Leon Draisaitl could both be massive players.
Apr 27, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Sami Vatanen (45) reacts after game seven of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Nashville Predators at Honda Center. The Predators defeated the Ducks 2-1 to win the series 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Anaheim Ducks, 3rd – 94 points
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After winning the Pacific Division the past four seasons, the Ducks owners got tired of the no-shows in the playoffs. Re-hiring Randy Carlyle, with whom they won the Stanley Cup in 2006/07, is a step backwards. His career has gone downhill ever since the championship winning season.
Trading away Frederik Andersen puts an awful lot of faith (and pressure) on the young shoulders of John Gibson. The American had a solid season last campaign and could be their number one for over a decade.
On defense, Anaheim has some brilliant young defenders. They conceded the least amount of goals last season, and they provide an offensive thrust with good transition through the neutral zone.
Behind stars Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry they lack depth scoring.
The Ducks had the best penalty kill and power play, coach Carlyle shouldn’t tinker with the special teams.
Getzlaf and Perry are towards the end of their prime, they young defense corps will have to mature quickly to help them push deep into the playoffs.
Apr 22, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) reacts during game five of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the San Jose Sharks at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Kings, 2nd – 103 points
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The most successful of all the Cali teams. The Kings lost a big piece this summer when they failed to re-sign Milan Lucic. Losing to the rival Sharks in the playoffs also hurt them.
They will always be a threat in the playoffs but have lost out to the Ducks in the Pacific Division the past four years.
Terrific coaching means they will be stingy on defense and good enough at scoring, during the regular season at least. They finished just 14th in scoring but conceded the 3rd least amount of goals. But special teams were distinctly average.
Jonathan Quick offers good goaltending, the past three seasons have all been around .915 save percentage. While Norris trophy winner Drew Doughty averages 28 minutes a night and provides a two-way thrust for the Kings.
Anze Kopitar is the only obvious star on offense, and they’ll hope Teddy Purcell can pick up a similar amount of points that Lucic managed last season.
Jun 12, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns (88) battles for the puck with Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Bryan Rust (17) in the second period in game six of the 2016 Stanley Cup Final at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
San Jose Sharks, 1st – 106 points
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They were outplayed in the Stanley Cup final and will be determined to make amends as time runs out for veterans Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau.
The biggest reason I believe the Sharks will win the Pacific is because there is no way they go 18-20-3 at home again. While their away form was exceptional and stands to drop, losing more than winning in their own arena was abysmal.
The fourth highest scoring offense in the league got better with the addition of Mikkel Boedker. Meanwhile, San Jose’s defense is a very solid group – with the offensive prowess of Brent Burns and the shutdown ability of Paul Martin leading the way.
Martin Jones had a solid year, and will only improve as he gets settled into being a starter.
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