With the NHL season right around the corner, I’d like to give some predictions for the NHL standings and who I see reaching the playoffs. Hockey, unlike baseball and basketball, can have some quick turnarounds as far as talent goes. We saw the Boston Bruins reach the playoffs despite barely scoring any goals all season. We also saw the LA Kings dazzle with young studs such as Drew Doughty and Jonathan Quick. I see Toronto, Tampa Bay, and St Louis reaching the playoffs this year. We also have the staple teams such as Washington, Pittsburgh, New Jersey, San Jose, Detroit, and Chicago. Here’s a look at how I see the divisions shaping up:

Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

  • Pittsburgh Penguins 107
  • Philadelphia Flyers 100
  • New Jersey Devils 98
  • New York Rangers 91
  • New York Islanders 87

Northeast Division

  • Boston Bruins 103
  • Buffalo Sabres 94
  • Toronto Maple Leafs 92
  • Montreal Canadiens 87
  • Ottawa Senators 85

Southeast Division

  • Washington Capitals 116
  • Tampa Bay Lightning 95
  • Carolina Hurricanes 90
  • Atlanta Thrashers 84
  • Florida Panthers 79

Western Conference

Central Division

  • Chicago Blackhawks 108
  • Detroit Red Wings 104
  • St Louis Blues 99
  • Nashville Predators 95
  • Columbus Blue Jackets 83

Northwest Division

  • Vancouver Canucks 113
  • Colorado Avalanche 98
  • Calgary Flames 95
  • Minnesota Wild 89
  • Edmonton Oilers 77

Pacific Division

  • San Jose Sharks 105
  • LA Kings 102
  • Phoenix Coyotes 97
  • Anaheim Ducks 91
  • Dallas Stars 85

Bold: Playoff Teams

Stanley Cup finals pick: Pittsburgh over Vancouver