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Why not this early? 2019-20 Predictions.

Jun. 13, 2019 at 12:58 a.m.
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Obviously a lot can change with trades, FA, etc. But now that this season is done, why not make my early 2019-20 predictions?

Atlantic Division:
1 - Tampa Bay Lightning (107 points)
2 - Boston Bruins (105 points)
3 - Toronto Maple Leafs (102 points)
4 - Florida Panthers (99 points)*
5 - Montreal Canadiens (85 points)
6 - Buffalo Sabres (84 points)
7 - Detroit Red Wings (83 points)
8 - Ottawa Senators (70 points)

Metropolitan Division:
1 - Washington Capitals (103 points)
2 - Pittsburgh Penguins (95 points)
3 - New York Islanders (93 points)
4 - Carolina Hurricanes (93 points)**
5 - Philadelphia Flyers (84 points)
6 - Columbus Blue Jackets (82 points)
7 - New York Rangers (81 points)
8 - New Jersey Devils (81 points)

Central Division:
1 - St. Louis Blues (102 points)
2 - Winnipeg Jets (101 points)
3 - Nashville Predators (100 points)
4 - Colorado Avalanche (100 points)*
5 - Dallas Stars (86 points)
6 - Chicago Blackhawks (80 points)
7 - Minnesota Wild (78 points)

Pacific Division:
1 - Calgary Flames (111 points)
2 - Arizona Coyotes (106 points)
3 - San Jose Sharks (103 points)
4 - Vegas Golden Knights (94 points)**
5 - Vancouver Canucks (86 points)
6 - Edmonton Oilers (80 points)
7 - Anaheim Ducks (74 points)
8 - Los Angeles Kings (61 points)

I have Arizona as a bit of a surprise team. Idk what others are expecting but my GUESS is that most people don't have them finishing with as many points as i do. I just feel like they will surprise. Going bold with this one (I think). My other picks probably aren't very surprising and are mostly the teams other people will be picking, but i'm not trying to make bold predictions just to make bold predictions. Arizona is the one I think i'm going a little bold with, but they came close this year and I think they will take the next step. Florida with coach Q behind the bench, in my opinion, are a playoff team. I think Carolina makes it back. This was such a special season for them and i don't see them missing the playoffs next year. I expect the Islanders to make the playoffs again, and no, that isn't because i'm an Isles fan. If Lehner and Lee re-sign that would be huge. I feel confident in the Isles making it back. LAK seems to be going into a rebuild, and while they have a history of bouncing back after bad years, I don't see it this time.

Playoff Predictions

Round 1:

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Tampa Bay in 5

Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Boston in 6

Washington Capitals vs. Florida Panthers
Washington in 6

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders
Pittsburgh in 7

St. Louis Blues vs. Colorado Avalanche
Colorado in 7

Winnipeg Jets vs. Nashville Predators
Nashville in 7

Calgary Flames vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Calgary in 6

Arizona Coyotes vs. San Jose Sharks
San Jose in 6

I see Tampa Bay bouncing back in the playoffs. Obviously, this past playoff didn't go as they wanted, but I think they bounce back and make it to round 2. Carolina had a great year this past year, and I think they make it back next year but lose in round 1 to the Bolts. I feel like Boston beats Toronto again. Washington finally beat Pittsburgh, Vancouver finally beat Chicago (only the third time, not the fourth), but I feel like Boston will beat Toronto again, and i think they get it done in 6, not 7. Washington bounces back IMO, and while i hope i'm wrong, I think Pittsburgh gets the Islanders back after this year. Colorado looks like they can go to the 2nd round again, beating the 2019 Stanley Cup champions. Winnipeg and Nashville should go 7 but I think Nashville wins this time. Calgary bounces back after losing in a big upset this past year, and San Jose's experience will be the difference against Arizona.

Round 2:

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Boston Bruins
Boston in 4

Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Washington in 7

Nashville Predators vs. Colorado Avalanche
Colorado in 7

Calgary Flames vs. San Jose Sharks
Calgary in 5

Don't ask me why I have Boston sweeping Tampa Bay. I have no clue. I just feel like it'll happen. Washington takes out Pittsburgh again, Colorado beats Nashville, taking the next step and going to round 3. This was a learning year for Calgary before they go further next year IMO. San Jose and Tampa Bay once again aren't able to win the cup.

Round 3:

Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals
Boston in 6

Calgary Flames vs. Colorado Avalanche
Colorado in 6

Boston ends in in Washington in game 6 and goes back to the final. Chara re-signed so he'll be back. They still have Bergeron, Marchand, Rask, etc. And some of the young guys got experience. I feel like they're going back to the final. Calgary vs. Colorado again, and Calgary will REALLY want to take out the Avalanche after what happened this past year, but MacKinnon and his line will be too much. Calgary was no match for Colorado this year, and I think Colorado beats them again.

Stanley Cup Final:

Boston Bruins vs. Colorado Avalanche

Two fast teams. One more experienced than the other. Interesting series.

Prediction:

Boston in 6

I think Boston comes back next year and wins the cup. They came so close this year and as long as they keep the team together I think they will bounce back from the game 7 loss and win their 7th Stanley Cup in their history.

And once again, I think the Stanley Cup will be won on the road. Why is nobody taking about the fact that the cup hasn't been won at home since 2015?

Anyway, those are my predictions. If you want you can give me your predictions, too.

I will make an updated version after free agency. By then we will have also seen some trades. I will also make an updated version in October right before the season starts.

2020 Stanley Cup Prediction: Boston Bruins

Boston Bruins
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Jun. 13, 2019 at 9:05 a.m.
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Didn't even need to look at the username to know who posted this ?
Jun. 13, 2019 at 10:17 a.m.
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Quoting: wojme
Didn't even need to look at the username to know who posted this ?


Me or @Rodzikhockey93 squinting with tongue out
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Jun. 13, 2019 at 1:32 p.m.
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Doing this for fun:

Atlantic:
Tampa
Boston
Florida
Toronto*
Montreal
Detroit
Buffalo
Ottawa

Metro:
Washington
Carolina
Pittsburgh
Flyers**
Columbus
Islanders
Rangers
Devils

Central:
St. Louis
Winnipeg
Dallas
Colorado*
Nashville**
Chicago
Minnesota

Pacific:
Vegas
Calgary
San Jose
Arizona
Edmonton
Vancouver
Anahim
Los Angelas

First Round:
Tampa over Flyers in 5
Florida over Boston in 7
Toronto over Washington in 7
Carolina over Pittsburgh in 6
Vegas over Nashville in 4
Calgary over San Jose in 6
St. Louis over Colorado in 7
Dallas over Winnipeg in 6

Second Round:
Tampa over Florida in 6
Toronto over Carolina in 7
Vegas over Calgary in 6
St. Louis over Dallas in 5

Conference Finals:
Tampa over Toronto in 5
St. Louis over Dallas in 6

Cup Final:
Tampa over St. Louis in 6
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Jun. 13, 2019 at 1:41 p.m.
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Quoting: Rodzikhockey93
Doing this for fun:

Atlantic:
Tampa
Boston
Florida
Toronto*
Montreal
Detroit
Buffalo
Ottawa

Metro:
Washington
Carolina
Pittsburgh
Flyers**
Columbus
Islanders
Rangers
Devils

Central:
St. Louis
Winnipeg
Dallas
Colorado*
Nashville**
Chicago
Minnesota

Pacific:
Vegas
Calgary
San Jose
Arizona
Edmonton
Vancouver
Anahim
Los Angelas

First Round:
Tampa over Flyers in 5
Florida over Boston in 7
Toronto over Washington in 7
Carolina over Pittsburgh in 6
Vegas over Nashville in 4
Calgary over San Jose in 6
St. Louis over Colorado in 7
Dallas over Winnipeg in 6

Second Round:
Tampa over Florida in 6
Toronto over Carolina in 7
Vegas over Calgary in 6
St. Louis over Dallas in 5

Conference Finals:
Tampa over Toronto in 5
St. Louis over Dallas in 6

Cup Final:
Tampa over St. Louis in 6


Dallas loses to STL in 2016, 2019, and if your prediction comes true they'll lose to St. Louis twice in 2020! Wow. Just one thing: I thought once you lose a playoff series your season is over. Did they make a rule change? Sticking Out Tongue
Jun. 14, 2019 at 1:40 a.m.
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NJD will have huge bounce back season. They add Hughes and Hall is in a contract year. Blackwood will breakout as the #1 and Nico and Bratt will continue to progress. They also have tons of cap space to add scoring help on the Wings and potentially a top 4 Defenseman.

I predict the Metro will finish: 1. CAR 2. WASH 3. NJD 4. PHI 5. NYI 6. PIT 7. NYR 8. CBJ

There'll be a major shakeup next season. PIT will finally miss the playoffs. CAR continues to rise. WASH remains elite.
Jun. 14, 2019 at 1:41 a.m.
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FLA will be the surprise team of the Atlantic. COL will win the Central. Vegas will return to dominant form in the Pacific.
Jun. 14, 2019 at 10:46 a.m.
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Quoting: Brian2016
FLA will be the surprise team of the Atlantic. COL will win the Central. Vegas will return to dominant form in the Pacific.


Where does Florida finish? If you have them getting in 3rd or sneaking in as a wild-card team, then that's not really a surprise. Before this past season, almost everyone was picking them to make the playoffs even though they missed in 2017-18. Idk if that's the same or not this year but it doesn't sound like a surprise.
Jun. 14, 2019 at 10:47 a.m.
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Quoting: Brian2016
NJD will have huge bounce back season. They add Hughes and Hall is in a contract year. Blackwood will breakout as the #1 and Nico and Bratt will continue to progress. They also have tons of cap space to add scoring help on the Wings and potentially a top 4 Defenseman.

I predict the Metro will finish: 1. CAR 2. WASH 3. NJD 4. PHI 5. NYI 6. PIT 7. NYR 8. CBJ

There'll be a major shakeup next season. PIT will finally miss the playoffs. CAR continues to rise. WASH remains elite.

Even if Bob and Bread leave, I don't see CBJ finishing last. However, I agree they miss the playoffs. It looks like you went kind of bold with the Metro. Interesting picks. You could be right about the Devils (I don't see it though).
Jun. 15, 2019 at 3:10 a.m.
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Quoting: rangersandislesfan
Where does Florida finish? If you have them getting in 3rd or sneaking in as a wild-card team, then that's not really a surprise. Before this past season, almost everyone was picking them to make the playoffs even though they missed in 2017-18. Idk if that's the same or not this year but it doesn't sound like a surprise.


A lot depends on July 1st. Can you imagine the top line of Panarin-Barkov-Huberdeau/Dadonov? Probably the top scoring line win the NHL next season. If they can find some consistent goaltending they'll be top 3. Keep in mind, the top 3 in the Atlantic were 3 of the top teams in the entire league. Easily 3 of top 5. So cracking the top 3 will be a great challenge.
Jun. 15, 2019 at 3:17 a.m.
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Quoting: rangersandislesfan
Even if Bob and Bread leave, I don't see CBJ finishing last. However, I agree they miss the playoffs. It looks like you went kind of bold with the Metro. Interesting picks. You could be right about the Devils (I don't see it though).


Devils will have one of the better Forward groups in the Metro. The real question mark will be there D. They desperately need a top 4 D, maybe 2 actually. I think their goalie situation will work itself out. They have the cap space to make moves.
Jun. 15, 2019 at 1:44 p.m.
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Quoting: Brian2016
A lot depends on July 1st. Can you imagine the top line of Panarin-Barkov-Huberdeau/Dadonov? Probably the top scoring line win the NHL next season. If they can find some consistent goaltending they'll be top 3. Keep in mind, the top 3 in the Atlantic were 3 of the top teams in the entire league. Easily 3 of top 5. So cracking the top 3 will be a great challenge.


But is that really much of a surprise?
Jun. 15, 2019 at 3:13 p.m.
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Atlantic
Boston(116)
Tampa(110)
Toronto(101)
Montreal*(99)
Florida**(96)
Buffalo(90)
Detroit(85)
Ottawa(58)
Metro
Carolina(114)
Philadelphia(100)
Washington(95)
Islanders(94)
New Jersey(89)
Pittsburgh(88)
Columbus(76)
Rangers(69)
Pacific
Vegas(110)
Calgary(105)
San Jose(99)
Arizona*(98)
Vancouver(92)
Edmonton(89)
LA(79)
Anaheim(69)
Central
St. Louis (109)
Winnipeg(102)
Colorado(98)
Dallas(96)*
Nashville(94)
Chicago(90)
Minnesota(81)
Jun. 15, 2019 at 6:53 p.m.
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Quoting: rangersandislesfan
But is that really much of a surprise?


Seeing BOS, TBL, or TOR as a WC wouldn't be a huge surprise but let's see how many fans and writers pick any team other than the aforementioned 3 to finish top 3.
Jun. 15, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
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Rangers make the playoffs, Canucks come very very close. Florida is in too. It wouldn't surprise me if the Penguins miss the playoffs, depending on what happens with their defense in the offseason.
Jun. 15, 2019 at 7:36 p.m.
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Atlantic
1. Tampa
2. Boston
3. Toronto
4. Florida*
5. Montreal
6. Buffalo
7. Detroit
8. Ottawa


Metro (this will be the closest division all year)
1. Washington
2. Pittsburgh
3. Hurricanes
4. Rangers**
5. Blue Jackets
6. Islanders
7. Flyers
8. Devils


Central
1. Jets
2. Blues
3. Avalanche
4. Predators*
5. Stars
6. Blackhawks
7. Wild


Pacific
1. Vegas
2. Calgary
3. San Jose
4. Arizona**
5. Canucks
6. Oilers
7. Ducks
8. Kings



SCF: Lightning over Golden Knights
Jun. 17, 2019 at 1:40 a.m.
#17
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Why is everyone picking the Isles to miss the playoffs?
Jun. 17, 2019 at 11:05 a.m.
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Quoting: rangersandislesfan
Why is everyone picking the Isles to miss the playoffs?


one year wonder
Jun. 17, 2019 at 1:14 p.m.
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Quoting: Rodzikhockey93
one year wonder


But why?
Jun. 17, 2019 at 1:49 p.m.
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I can’t see Dallas missing the playoffs next year. They found some major chemistry in the post season and their young talent is looking very good
Jun. 17, 2019 at 1:53 p.m.
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Quoting: Howconvenient
I can’t see Dallas missing the playoffs next year. They found some major chemistry in the post season and their young talent is looking very good


I think Arizona gets in though. Who else falls out? I don't see it being Calgary, SJS, Vegas, Colorado, Winnipeg, Nashville, or STL. Yes, one of those teams could fall out, and maybe Arizona misses again, but I don't see that happening. I just think there are too many good teams.
 
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