One thing I want to do at the start of each month is take a look back at my preseason picks and see where the teams are at in the standings. Some teams are right where I thought they would be and some teams are not.
Without any further adieu here are the picks.
Atlantic Division:
Philadelphia 7-4-1 15 points
NY Rangers 6-4-1 13 points
Pittsburgh 6-5-1 13 points
NY Islanders 4-5-2 10 points
New Jersey 3-9-1 7 points
Predicted Finish: Pittsburgh, New Jersey, Philadelphia, NY Rangers, NY Islanders
Synopsis: Philly is getting good goaltending now, I expect Pittsburgh to overtake them when Jordan Staal returns from injury. Rangers should hover around 3rd place most of the season and hope they end up on the right side of the number in the post-season, The Islanders need to learn how to finish before they can take the next step, Injuries & inconsistencies have lead to a bad start in New Jersey.
Northeast Division:
Montreal 7-4-1 15 points
Boston 6-2-0 12 points
Toronto 5-4-1 11 points
Ottawa 5-6-1 11 points
Buffalo 3-7-2 8 points
Predicted Finish: Buffalo, Boston, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto
Synopsis: Buffalo isn't getting the scoring to support Ryan Miller in net, Tim Thomas has been lights out in Boston, Carey Price is finally living up to his potential in Montreal, Last season looks like an aberration for Ottawa, Toronto needs another scorer before they can start talking playoffs.
Southeast Division:
Tampa Bay 7-2-1 15 points
Washington 7-4-0 14 points
Atlanta 5-4-2 12 points
Carolina 5-6-0 10 points
Florida 4-5-0 8 points
Predicted Finish: Washington, Carolina, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Florida
Synopsis: Tampa has enough offense to challenge for the top spot in the Southeast, Washington is right where I thought they would be, Carolina has been inconsistent and can't afford to fall to far behind, Atlanta has a good nucleus and should stick around the final playoff spot, Florida is near the bottom and I don't see them making a push.
Central Division:
Chicago 7-6-1 15 points
St. Louis 6-1-2 14 points
Detroit 6-2-1 13 points
Nashville 5-2-3 13 points
Columbus 7-4-0 12 points
Predicted Finish: Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis, Nashville, Columbus
Synopsis: Chicago on top despite the roster turnover this offseason, St. Louis is getting the most out of Jaroslav Halak in goal. Detroit is right near the top like they have been for the last twenty years. Nashville needs some scoring, Columbus is overachieving but can't finish in last if it wants to make the playoffs.
Northwest Division:
Vancouver 6-3-2 14 points
Colorado 6-4-1 13 points
Calgary 6-5-0 12 points
Minnesota 5-4-2 12 points
Edmonton 3-5-2 8 points
Predicted Finish: Vancouver, Minnesota, Colorado, Calgary, Edmonton
Synopsis: I expect Colorado to fall back with Craig Anderson injured. Calgary isn't as good as their record indicates. Vancouver has underachieved but should get better as the season goes on. Minnesota is better than their record indicates. Edmonton can plan for another year in the draft lottery.
Pacific Division:
Los Angeles 8-3-0 16 points
Dallas 6-4-0 12 points
San Jose 5-4-1 11 points
Phoenix 3-4-3 9 points
Anaheim 4-7-1 9 points
Predicted Finish: Los Angeles, San Jose, Phoenix, Anaheim, Dallas
Synopsis: Los Angeles is finally living up to their potential. San Jose might not win this division for the 1st time since 2007. Dallas has cooled off since their strong start. Phoenix hasn't surprised anyone this season. Anaheim really misses Scott Niedermeyer.
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