This time every year I like to throw out some "wacky predictions" and each year a few come close...and even if I don't get close on any of them I really look forward to this blog each year. I define "Whacky" as something that is possible, but not many people think will happen. Something I haven't heard others saying on a consistent basis...

Enjoy. Here goes nothing...


Twenty Wacky Predictions for the 2014-2015

1. All 7 teams in the Central Division will get close to 100 points.

2. Five Central Teams will make the playoffs with The Avalanche, Jets, Preds, and Blues all within a few points at the end of the season and a toss up as to who is in and who is out.

3. The Tampa Bay Lightning will battle the Hawks and Ducks for the President’s trophy.

4. The Montreal Canadiens will miss Gerard Gallant in a much larger way than anyone now seems to realize.

5. The Panthers and Flames will NOT be in the race for McDavid.

6. The Maple Leafs will make the playoffs and battle Boston again in the opening round…as a 2 vs 3 matchup.

7. Brad Richards will NOT put up 50 points in Chicago and his speed will limit his effectiveness as the Hawks second line Center. However the Hawks will be fine.

8. Martin Brodeur will land in either Philly or NY when a goalie goes down to injury. His first game will come against his former team.

9. The Blue Jackets will struggle early but make the playoffs and be an absolute force.
Five teams will make the playoffs in the Metro Division as well, and the Penguins will squeak in…but be a playoff force.

10. The Islanders, Penguins, Rangers and Flyers will end up within 5 points of each other and battle for the final 3 playoff spots.

11. Steven Stamkos will score 65 goals with Jonathan Drouin leading all rookie scorers by 20+ points.

12. The Minnesota Wild will be a playoff team and a playoff force. No doubt.

13. Edmonton and Calgary will be in tight battle until the end, but only one will have a shot at the playoffs.

14. The Capitals will take one step back to take two steps forward. This season could see them miss the dance, but set them up to be a force for years to come. A much more stable force.

15. Nashville is the longest odds to win the Stanley Cup. 75-1. If you are a betting person, remember they finished 3 points out of the playoffs last year WITHOUT Pekka Rinne and they have Shea Weber, Seth Jones, added more offense and Peter Laviolette has a great track record of making sudden and dramatic impacts.

16. Kesler will either be an All-Star or have very little impact in Anaheim. No middle ground.

17. Nathan MacKinnon will be in the top 5 NHL scorers this year and battle Sidney Crosby next year.

18.The Panthers will move Jussi Jokinen for a ton at the deadline.

19. Claude Giroux will finish second in scoring behind Crosby and will be an All-Star along with Jakob Voracek at the game in Columbus.

20. Kimmo Timonen will play this year...towards the playoffs.

21..... Give me yours...

Watch the Hockeybuzz Podcast Live at 1pm where we will discuss these predictions and more..