Throwing Darts: Pianow’s 2013 NHL Predictions
Before they officially drop the puck on the season, let's put some stuff on the record. Anyone's predictions are bound to look silly in a short amount of time, but they're still fun to do.
Western Conference - Playoff Seeds
1. Canucks
2. Blues
3. Sharks
4. Kings
5. Blackhawks
6. Wild
7. Red Wings
8. Predators
I really, really wanted to put the Oilers in the playoffs - I'm a believer in this team, now and for the future. But man, the Western Conference is stacked. Look at the Central Division, where you have four solid teams (oh, and the Blue Jackets). I don't see a truly bad team in the Northwest Division. Whoever comes in last in the Pacific Division might be respectable, too. Deep conference.
Eastern Conference - Playoff Seeds
1. Rangers
2. Bruins
3. Capitals
4. Penguins
5. Sabres
6. Flyers
7. Senators
8. Lightning
If the Rangers can keep their big-name but fragile forwards healthy, this team has everything. The Atlantic Division should be a bloodbath, but the not-ready Islanders and the backsliding Devils (I know, they were in the Finals last year) will cushion some of the blow. It could be a tricky year in Canada, as I don't expect much from the Canadiens, Maple Leafs (so many problems there) or Jets. I'm curious if a different voice can wake up the Capitals. It was difficult to keep the Hurricanes out of the playoffs.
Final Four: Canucks over Blues, Rangers over Penguins
Stanley Cup: Canucks over Rangers (1994 has been avenged)
Hart Trophy: Steven Stamkos (dark horse: Tyler Seguin)
Art Ross: Sidney Crosby (dark horse: John Tavares)
Norris Trophy: Alex Pietrangelo (dark horse: Alex Edler)
Vezina Trophy: Henrik Lundqvist (dark horse: Cory Schneider)
Calder Trophy: Justin Schultz (runner-ups: Vladimir Tarasenko, Dougie Hamilton)
Jack Adams: John Tortorella (dark horse: Ralph Krueger)
Over-Under Team Point Predictions (for entertainment use, only)
-- Columbus under 47.5
-- Detroit under 56.5
-- Edmonton over 53.5
-- Los Angeles under 58.5
-- Nashville over 53.5
-- San Jose over 54.5
-- Toronto under 53.5
-- Vancouver over 58.5
-- Washington over 54.5
Share your picks, pans, angles and surprises in the comments. Game on, gamers.
