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EXACTLY What will Happen in the Pacific Division. You Won't Agree... |
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Good evening hockey world.
Better late than never, but here is my prediction for the Pacific Division. The interesting thing about this division this year is it has basically flipped itself on its head from a decade ago. Which brings us to California...
#8. The Los Angeles Kings.
This is, of course, the easiest pick in this division. Everyone is putting the Kings in 8th place, but I assure you this is the only team that you will probably agree with as far as my predictions go. As for the Kings, they have a great future ahead of them, but they decided a little too late to enter the rebuild. The big question mark on this team will be whether or not they decide to trade Johnathan Quick at the deadline. I think it is the only logical thing to do, and I do believe there will be some team out there who has lost their goalie and still has Stanely Cup dreams.
#7. The Anaheim Ducks.
These not so mighty Ducks simply don't have the defense to make a serious playoff run this season. They still have plenty of talent up front, but I think unless they decide to pull off a major trade, they are a few years away from battling to be in the top eight in this conference.
#6. The San Jose Sharks.
This one of course kills me, and is the first pick that I'm sure a few of you might have something to say about. I know the Sharks have talent. I know they are still loaded upfront and on D, but the goaltending just isn't there for me. The loss of Pavelski is going to be enormous for this team. Keeping Kane and Karlsson healthy is no easy feat. Beyond that, I just feel like there's something wrong with this team. When I watch them play, they seem out of balance, and the consistency is all over the map. Granted, I could be completely wrong about this, and to the many Sharks fans out there, take solace in the fact that I usually pick them to win the division and they don't.
#5. The Vancouver Canucks.
I really love what the Canucks are doing and I love the speed this team plays. Elias Petterson might be my favorite player in the NHL to watch. I'm not going to say he is Wayne Gretzky, but there are little things he does that for sure remind me of #99. I also love Quinn Hughes and I believe he will bring what's needed to the power play and infuse energy into an already energetic, young roster. My whacky prediction here...A Hughes WILL Win the Calder and not be named Jack...But Quinn.
#4. The Arizona Coyotes.
I know many of you out there are questioning this team's goaltending, and understand I made this prediction before both of their starters were hurt, but I still believe in everything this group is doing. I love the addition of Phil Kessel, and the way coach Tocchet gets the most out of his players was so evident last year. Also, it's interesting to note that last year in the second half of the season this was one of the best teams in hockey. The confidence I believe will carry over and Arizona will find themselves right on the playoff bubble.
#3. The Calgary Flames.
What the Flames did last year was nothing less than spectacular. Many out there are predicting them to fall back, but I think it might be more accurate to say the two teams above them have made bigger steps forward. Any team with a top four D like this one and Monahan and Gaudreau is a force immediately. That alone gets you into the playoffs. I do worry about their goaltending, and I wouldn't be surprised if they made a move later in the season for one of the many older goalies that will be available.
#2. The Vegas Golden Knights.
Alright. I know what you're saying. Most people believe Vegas to be the best team in this division hands down. They are no longer an expansion team, and the addition of Mark Stone is maybe the best acquisition any team has made in the last five years. Also, Marc-Andre Fleury is still one of the best especially in key situations when a momentum save is needed. The defense is still to me unproven. They will get away with it because of the division they play in, but remember last year this team finished in the playoffs, but had less points than the Montreal Canadiens. All that said, there is no team that plays faster than the Knights. They are must-see TV whenever they're on, and I love to watch the rookie sensation Cody Glass.
#1. The Edmonton Oilers.
I believe P.T. Barnum said it best when he said, "There's a sucker born every minute." I my friends, am that sucker. This team has two of the best five players in the NHL on it. They have a new general manager and a new head coach, both of whom are better than anyone that has held that position in Edmonton since I was in high school. I also am a big believe in Mike Smith in goal. Smith is fiery and the kind of goalie that can motivate a group of young players in front of him. Tippett always gets the best out of his players, and will find a way to turn these Oilers into the surprise team of the 2019-2020 season.
So there you have it. Since I expect you all to completely agree with me now that I have made my points perfectly feel free to shower me with praise in the comments.
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