Central Division Predictions

[account deactivated]

Some genius every offseason: "Dallas overachieved last season"

Maybe your analysis is just shit?

 

[MNRube]

Don’t see it with Utah. They have almost no natural defenders up front or on the blueline. Below average goaltending. Most their skilled guys are smallish playmakers without any physical presence. They may get a boost like Seattle & Vegas did in their first year but, on paper, this is still a lottery team.

You don’t need Maccelli & Schmaltz when you have Cooley & Keller, IMO. If they want to take a leap, they have redundant assets with value they could weaponize to better balance their roster.

Maybe they prefer to wait until Iginla, Simashev, But & Lamorouix are ready. I wouldn’t blame them. They all bring a nice element that the current roster is presently lacking

 

[Stealth JD]

Dallas
Colorado
Nashville
Winnipeg
St. Louis
Minnesota
Utah
Chicago

 

[S E P H]

1. Dallas
2. Colorado
3. Winnipeg
4. Nashville
5. Minnesota
6. St. Louis
7. Utah
8. Chicago

I think some of you are very much overestimating Utah.

I suggest that Minnesota is probably the most overrated team in the Central. Okay forwards, meh defence, and putrid goaltending.

 

[MessierII]

Stars
Preds
Jets
Avs
Wild
Blues
Utah
Blackhawks

 

[Beukeboom Fan]

Not a certainty no, but on track to return early seaon according to reports. Videos of his skating and progress are in the hfavs injury thread and it does look promising in a practice setting.

Right now we can only hope he’ll come back at a top six level but it’ll be huge just seeing him in the lineup for us fans and certainly his teammates.

Hope he makes it back and is close to what he was a couple years ago. That said, guys who play like him rarely age gracefully. Glad he got his bag and ring.

 

[JasonDemersWasOkay]

f*** Utah

 

[Lt Dan]

f*** Utah

Just remember to use a condom.

 

[Jimmy Firecracker]

Avalanche
Jets
Stars
Predators (WC)
Wild
Utah
Blues
Blackhawks

 

[surixon]

Stars
Avalanche
Jets
Preds
Wild
Utah
Hawks
Blues

 

[Gnashville]

Name a team with 3 40 goals scorers from last year, a Defenseman that was 2nd in the Norris, and a Goalie that was 5th in the Vezina and no one picks them to contend for a division title?

 

[Soundgarden]

Name a team with 3 40 goals scorers from last year, a Defenseman that was 2nd in the Norris, and a Goalie that was 5th in the Vezina and no one picks them to contend for a division title?

But...Stamkos so bad he can only play on the power play any more, getting spoonfed by Kucherov!!!!

 

[JPT]

Name a team with 3 40 goals scorers from last year, a Defenseman that was 2nd in the Norris, and a Goalie that was 5th in the Vezina and no one picks them to contend for a division title?

Do you pick them to contend for the division title? I've got them 3rd, maybe 2nd if injuries are limited.

 

[bazawiggle]

Preds
Stars
Jets
Utah
Avalanche
Blues
Hawks
Wild

 

[Bender Duster]

Preds
Stars
Jets
Utah
Avalanche
Blues
Hawks
Wild

Avs in fifth and Wild last?!?

Bold…

 

[Gnashville]

Do you pick them to contend for the division title? I've got them 3rd, maybe 2nd if injuries are limited.

yes they should contend for the Central.
What I am amazed by is how suddenly Stamkos and Marchessault went from star players to “washed up” in one summer

 

[Schemp]

Utah will be the surprise team in the Central. The biggest question depends on how much Hayton can contribute, if he can bounce back to be the player he was as a 22 yo, 2 seasons ago . Guenther will rise up to challenge Keller as leading scorer. COOLEY will be solid.
Maccelli stats will improve and Doan will surprise some. That 4th line will be a shutdown line -> Kerfoot McBain Stenlund
They had 6 forwards scoring 20 or more goals last season, and that isn't counting Maccelli or Guenther. They will score by committee. Their special teams have also improved.
Look for the goalies stats to look a lot better with the improved overall defense.
I see the Utah Hockey Clubbers as a solid playoff team this year!

 

[The Tourist]

Dallas
Colorado
Winnipeg
Nashville
St Louis
Minnesota
Utah
Chicago

 

[HighNote]

It feels pretty safe to have CHI in last, but beyond that I have no clue. I'll go with:

DAL
NSH
COL
WPG
STL
UTA
MIN
CHI

50/50 chance STL makes playoffs as WC2 depending on how the Pacific shakes out.

 

[voyageur]

I have to say I was impressed with the way Minnesota played Winnipeg last night. Trenin looks like a good addition to their checking line. Guerin has added some prospects, and their top 4 d are competitive.

I think I'd have them as a playoff team this year, based on what I saw. Can't predict health though for any team. Jets are already starting with two d-men out. Colorado is starting without some key players. If the Kings were looking to be a wild card team, their chances took a blow with Doughty going down.