16/17 a good year. I wouldn't say an anomaly, but certainly teams have good years & bad years. Depending on their opponents as well, will dictate where they can & do finish. I'm not sure players may have relied too much on MCD last season & now have to play a lot better themselves. What's your thoughts on the disparity between the seasons?
- Aussiepenguin

Goaltending wasn’t very good. I would say it’s 50/50 on wether Talbot can bounce back or not. There is no evidence saying last year was the real Talbot and that he played over his head previously, but he has to get back to that level.
The special teams were a disaster and I would bet they will return to at least league average this year. Too much talent not to.
Lastly, the roster is still very young, so I would expect continued improvement from at least 5 or 6 more players.
Lastly, it’s unlikely Lucic and Klefbom will be as bad as last year.

Not everything will come through but I expect most of some of the issues last year will correct themselves.

Pacific will be a tough one this year, i see VGK, CGY, SJS, LAK and EDM battling for most likely 4 playoff-spots (Central will bring WPG, NSH, STL, DAL?, MIN??), while ANA/ARZ/VAN (&COL/CHI) on the outside.

Goaltending wasn’t very good. I would say it’s 50/50 on wether Talbot can bounce back or not. There is no evidence saying last year was the real Talbot and that he played over his head previously, but he has to get back to that level.
The special teams were a disaster and I would bet they will return to at least league average this year. Too much talent not to.
Lastly, the roster is still very young, so I would expect continued improvement from at least 5 or 6 more players.
Lastly, it’s unlikely Lucic and Klefbom will be as bad as last year.

Not everything will come through but I expect most of some of the issues last year will correct themselves.
- HonkyTonkMan

If Draisaitl can hold a good 2nd line that will go a long way as well. Question is whether he can or not. Nurse is another question to see if he can really progress. It's all possible, but as I said, depends on what the other teams are doing as well. The Ducks may play a big role in how you guys finish up.

Actually 'conversation' & 'contention' are 2 different things!

Not sure he would have been in the 'conversation' when Price won it.
- Aussiepenguin

Well given he wasn't far behind second I guess there was no conversation?

Austin Matthews. He wants McDavid money and this is his contract year. He also wants the Captaincy. He only gets both with a Hart Trophy season. Matthews can feast on the dysfunctional Sens, Habs and Wings. The Atlantic has 3 great teams at the top, but the bottom 5 aren't great.

The Atlantic has 3 great teams at the top, but the bottom 5 aren't great.
- PrinceLH

Indeed these three will make the playoffs (and 5 of the Metro), with a very very slight chance for the Cats...