smh cant take these predictions seriously if ovi isn't at 50 goals ...

haha I know - I really, really wanted to say 60+

yea being serious these predictions are pretty spot on. am still a little more hopefull that mcmichael can improve his finishing and hit 30 points. I think Mantha and Strome are in for big things this year -- strome doesn't get enough credit for elevating Kane and Debrincat's play and Mantha will finally get to play with a real center after two years next to either Eller or Backstrom's ghost.

I agree on all thoughts. Really do feel like Strome and Mantha are in for a big year. I think Kuzy builds off of last year as well. I hope McMichael can improve his overall game (and finish especially), but I have a feeling Lavy won't play him consistently at the start of the year, which could throw him off.

On a negative note, I think Oshie slightly decreases.

Thing I am concerned about: these predictions only have 4 20+ goal scorers (again - no TDL acquisitions here)...Can a team contend for a cup (in today's hockey) with only 4 20+ goal scorers? Legit scoring depth might play a factor.

yea I think that despite what the perception is around the league and even among caps fans themselves the defensive corps and team defense in general is actually very solid (they put up defensive results comparable to colorado last year), and Kuemper has been consistently one of the league's best goalies the past 5 years. Their forward depth looks really good with probably 9 or 10 (6 in the lineup + 3 or 4 scratches) guys who would be legitimately good bottom 6 players. Their big problem is that the only truly elite talent they have is Ovi, Kuzy, and Carlson and while I truly think Carlson is underrated as a top 5-10 defenseman in the league, Ovi and Kuzy are at the lower end of elite.

Like you said I think to make a real run to the conference or cup finals absent a shesterkin/lundquist type heater from Kuemper they are going to need at least one of their complementary players to take a step towards actual elite territory. Wilson sort of did for half of last season, but at least one of Wilson, Strome, Mantha, Orlov, Fehervary, Brown, and McMichael will need to become true game-breakers rather than just very good players to take that next step. The good thing is that I think Strome, Fehervary, and McMichael especially all could make that jump.

I guess a long way of saying 4 20+ goal scorers doesn't concern me when they have 15 10+ goal scorers. More concerned about only ovi breaking 30 goals and only ovi and kuzy breaking 70 points.

Very good points all around. Totally agree. Thanks for the feedback!!