I agree that the 4 western teams in Canada will make the playoffs. I was going to say that it is super bold to have the Sharks make it, but then I saw who they beat out!
Predict the 2021 standings/playoff teams
- Thread starter ucanthanzalthetruth
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themelkman
Always Delivers
chirrrs
Registered User
When initially reading this thread I was pretty on the fence about whether or not I felt like Dallas would be able to overcome the Seguin and Bishop injuries, especially since they'll both be missing a large chunk of the shortened and accelerated season. After giving it a little thought, I think the playoff experience and another season under everyone's belt will add enough that you'll see guys like Gurianov, Hintz, and others really take that next step. I'd like to think Khudobin and Oettinger both have greater confidence in themselves as well as their teammates in them. I think they'll be able to weather the storm and at least sneak into one of those last spots. If they get a fully healthy Seguin and Bishop back, that solidifies it for me. Plus, you've got to think Benn and Radulov will improve on last year. There's just too much talent as well as clear room for likely improvement for me to think they'll miss.
KingsFan7824
Registered User
Benn and Radulov are 31 and 34 years old. They're not getting better. Benn has already been on a 3 year decline statistically.
Because when I look at those divisions they are stacked.
In the East you got
Pittsburgh
Philadelphia
Washington
Boston
NYI
NYR
NJ
Buffalo
There are 8 teams in that group 4 of them will make it that means there are 2 very very good teams that do not deserve to miss 1the playoffs that will.
The Centreal has
Tampa
Carolina
Columbus
Dallas
Nashville
Florida
Chicago
Detroit
That means 1 of Tampa Carolina Dallas Nashville Columbus will miss the playoffs, possibly 2 of them if Brovosky bounces back.
None of the top 6 in the East or top 5 in the Centreal deserve to miss the playoffs but somebody is going to.
Who will it be?
In the East you got
Pittsburgh
Philadelphia
Washington
Boston
NYI
NYR
NJ
Buffalo
There are 8 teams in that group 4 of them will make it that means there are 2 very very good teams that do not deserve to miss 1the playoffs that will.
The Centreal has
Tampa
Carolina
Columbus
Dallas
Nashville
Florida
Chicago
Detroit
That means 1 of Tampa Carolina Dallas Nashville Columbus will miss the playoffs, possibly 2 of them if Brovosky bounces back.
None of the top 6 in the East or top 5 in the Centreal deserve to miss the playoffs but somebody is going to.
Who will it be?
Chicago- getting older, not better, though Dach could help turn things around
NJD- should be better, but...
BUF- see NJD comment
NSH- going downhill with the wind
WAS- see CHI comment
BOS- injury's, player losses, no top prospects coming up.
FLA- see NJD comment
Detroit- building something, but still need more time.
HM to PIT. I have a feeling that they are an injury or two away from being out, but as long as their big guns are healthy I'm not ready to count them out.
NJD- should be better, but...
BUF- see NJD comment
NSH- going downhill with the wind
WAS- see CHI comment
BOS- injury's, player losses, no top prospects coming up.
FLA- see NJD comment
Detroit- building something, but still need more time.
HM to PIT. I have a feeling that they are an injury or two away from being out, but as long as their big guns are healthy I'm not ready to count them out.
KingsFan7824
Registered User
Should Buf finish ahead of Bos in a playoff spot, Buf would deserve the spot over Bos.
How does a team not deserve to miss the playoffs? Everyone knows what the playoff format is before a season starts(other than when a pandemic starts in the middle of one). Get the spot you're in line for, and there's no crying in baseball. Shouldn't be any in hockey either.
How does a team not deserve to miss the playoffs? Everyone knows what the playoff format is before a season starts(other than when a pandemic starts in the middle of one). Get the spot you're in line for, and there's no crying in baseball. Shouldn't be any in hockey either.
What I meant was, and I thought this was clear and I still think it is you are just choosing to be difficult.
There are 2 teams in the east, and at least 1, possibly 2 in the central that are going to miss the playoffs that would not in a normal, they will miss because of circumstances.
2 teams in the east and at least 1 possibly 2 in the central will miss the playoffs that do not deserve to
Big Daddy Cane
Registered User
Columbus was not Top 8 in a conference last year at the time of the break by virtue of the RW tiebreaker. The Central only has 4 of those teams.
The East has 5. Which is the 6th very good team in the division?
The East has 5. Which is the 6th very good team in the division?
Pittsburgh
Philadelphia
Washington
Boston
NYI
NYR
I am including the NYR in that group
Big Daddy Cane
Registered User
That’s too aggressive to me. The Rangers have a tantalizing future to be sure, but a lot has to go right for them to jump from an average -ish team to a very good one next year, namely Shesterkin having a Vezina caliber rookie season to make up for a questionable team defense. I don’t see them being in a worse position in the East than they would have been in the Metro.
Islanders SWEPT the Penguins out in 2019.
Penguins couldn't even beat the Canadiens in 2020.
Islanders beat the Flyers in 2020.
Islanders beat the Capitals in 2020.
Islanders gave the Cup champion Lightning the toughest and hardest time they had in the entire playoffs in 2020.
Don't forget, in 2nd half last year, we did not have Adam Pelech and Casey Cizikas. And we did not have JGP for most of the regular season.
Only major turnover this offseason was Devon Toews, assuming Matt Martin and Andy Greene return as speculated.
Just some reminders.
Penguins couldn't even beat the Canadiens in 2020.
Islanders beat the Flyers in 2020.
Islanders beat the Capitals in 2020.
Islanders gave the Cup champion Lightning the toughest and hardest time they had in the entire playoffs in 2020.
Don't forget, in 2nd half last year, we did not have Adam Pelech and Casey Cizikas. And we did not have JGP for most of the regular season.
Only major turnover this offseason was Devon Toews, assuming Matt Martin and Andy Greene return as speculated.
Just some reminders.
They remind me of the Leafs of 2016-2017
That was the year the Leafs had as many as 10 rookies on that roster, including Matthews, Marner, Nylander and Hyman, and they made it in by thw skin of their teeth because the Rookies and Andersen were great.
The Rangers are similar to that leaf team there is a TON of good young talent on that roster they may not make it but I wouldn't be surprised if they did
Benn played amazing playoffs. Older players can still find the spark when the real games begin! Statpadding is for younger players that want fame and fortune.
txpd
Registered User
I wouldnt compare Washington and Chicago. The Capitals have won the division 5 seasons in a row and their older players remain among the league leaders. Chicago has missed 2 of the last 3 seasons and barely made it in the 3rd.
TheImpatientBoomer
9 more BOOMs for Back to Back Cups
- Mar 11, 2015
- 2,493
- 6,998
I think the Central is bad? 2 awful teams in Chicago and Detroit, seriously people are underestimating how much Chicago will stink, 4 mediocre teams in Florida, Nashville, Columbus and Dallas (destroyed by injuries), 1 good team and 1 elite team.
The East is stacked, Central isn't.
The East is stacked, Central isn't.
MarkusNaslund19
Registered User
- Dec 28, 2005
- 5,503
- 9,807
Pittsburgh
Philadelphia
Washington
Boston
NYI
NYR
NJ
Buffalo
-----
Okay, I'm going to put some thought into this.
It's crazy because I can see almost any of these teams falling behind the 8-ball and not being able to catch up to a good group. But here is what I expect:
Washington Makes it. Even in bad years they are good in the regular season. Their top 2 lines are really dangerous and well balanced. Should be motivated to make up for the humiliating way they acquitted themselves in the play-ins.
But: If Ilya Samsonov falters in his return from injury or gets overwhelmed being the guy, then they could miss.
Philadelphia Makes it. They have a good young D and lot's of offensive depth/skill. Kevin Hayes came in and fit that team like a glove, Konecny broke out and seems legit. Giroux and Voracek still have a decent amount left in the tank and they aren't expected to carry the team anymore. Vigneault is also a really good coach.
But: If the unexpected retirement of Niskanen throws all of their D pairings out of wack and moves guys into positions they aren't ready for, I could see them missing.
New York Islanders: Makes it. In a year where teams are going to have to hit the ground running, it pays to be a team that is cohesive and stout defensively. I'm thinking of the 95 Devils as a team who did well in a lockout shortened season (although it took them time to find their game in the regular season, so maybe it's a bad comparison). The Islanders play a gritty, battle winning system that is somewhat immune to long slumps. Best coach in the league too.
But: Barzal isn't signed. He's important in that he's the single forward they have out of 12 who is truly dynamic. If he doesn't sign on time, or misses training camp and struggles, they could lose a lot of games 2-1. They will also miss Devon Toews.
Pittsburgh: Makes it. Crosby, Malkin, Guentzel, Zucker, Kapanen, Rust. It's hard to picture that top 6 being unable to take their team to the playoffs. If Pastrnak and Marchand miss some games or show some rust, I see Pittsburgh in the playoffs.
But: That D has a lot of question marks. If Letang gets hurt, if Matheson or Ceci are asked to carry too much mail, if Marino has a sophomore slump. Or if Tristan Jarry isn't ready. It could get ugly in Steel town.
Boston: Misses. They're left side D looks incredibly weak as it currently sits. They are also dealing with significant injury.
But: If Marchand AND Pastrnak come back healthy and playing like they can, then I see them making it.
New York Rangers: Misses. The upside is incredibly tantalizing. Lafrenierre, Kaako, Shesterkin, if all 3 play to their full potential right away, it's hard to see them missing. But this is a flawed team. Panarin is a true Hart contender (He was my winner last year), but Ryan Strome as your 2nd line center? What if Zibanejad has a bad year or gets hurt? The D is skilled but not very stout. It's hard to see Shesterkin not having some wobbles.
But: If it all goes right for them, they could win the division going away. Further, the future is briiiiight.
Buffalo: Misses. It must be frustrating to be a Sabres fan, both in general and this season. This should be their year to potentially make some noise with the acquisition of Taylor Hall, continued development of Dahlin, potential bounce back of Skinner, and having a top 5-8 player in the game in Eichel. But the division is too tough, the goal tending is terrible, and the culture is broken until they prove that it isn't.
But: If Cozens, Staal, and Hall all come in and play like gangbusters, Dahlin goes supernova, and Jokiharju and Ristolainen play well enough, it could all come together at once for this team.
New Jersey: Misses. This is a team in transition. The young studs are too young, the old guys are too old. Subban seems like his body has broken down and/or he doesn't care enough anymore. Murray is constantly hurt (but is solid) and is slow as molasses, Kulikov is terrible. Hughes and Hischier are both players with tremendous upside, but they aren't ready to go head to head with the top 2 centers of the other teams in this division.
But: Blackwood and Crawford have the potential to be one of the top goaltending duos in the league, and if Hughes and Hischier both go supernova, it could be enough. But I don't see it.
---
I may come back later and look at the Central, but this took awhile and I have to go out. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.
Philadelphia
Washington
Boston
NYI
NYR
NJ
Buffalo
-----
Okay, I'm going to put some thought into this.
It's crazy because I can see almost any of these teams falling behind the 8-ball and not being able to catch up to a good group. But here is what I expect:
Washington Makes it. Even in bad years they are good in the regular season. Their top 2 lines are really dangerous and well balanced. Should be motivated to make up for the humiliating way they acquitted themselves in the play-ins.
But: If Ilya Samsonov falters in his return from injury or gets overwhelmed being the guy, then they could miss.
Philadelphia Makes it. They have a good young D and lot's of offensive depth/skill. Kevin Hayes came in and fit that team like a glove, Konecny broke out and seems legit. Giroux and Voracek still have a decent amount left in the tank and they aren't expected to carry the team anymore. Vigneault is also a really good coach.
But: If the unexpected retirement of Niskanen throws all of their D pairings out of wack and moves guys into positions they aren't ready for, I could see them missing.
New York Islanders: Makes it. In a year where teams are going to have to hit the ground running, it pays to be a team that is cohesive and stout defensively. I'm thinking of the 95 Devils as a team who did well in a lockout shortened season (although it took them time to find their game in the regular season, so maybe it's a bad comparison). The Islanders play a gritty, battle winning system that is somewhat immune to long slumps. Best coach in the league too.
But: Barzal isn't signed. He's important in that he's the single forward they have out of 12 who is truly dynamic. If he doesn't sign on time, or misses training camp and struggles, they could lose a lot of games 2-1. They will also miss Devon Toews.
Pittsburgh: Makes it. Crosby, Malkin, Guentzel, Zucker, Kapanen, Rust. It's hard to picture that top 6 being unable to take their team to the playoffs. If Pastrnak and Marchand miss some games or show some rust, I see Pittsburgh in the playoffs.
But: That D has a lot of question marks. If Letang gets hurt, if Matheson or Ceci are asked to carry too much mail, if Marino has a sophomore slump. Or if Tristan Jarry isn't ready. It could get ugly in Steel town.
Boston: Misses. They're left side D looks incredibly weak as it currently sits. They are also dealing with significant injury.
But: If Marchand AND Pastrnak come back healthy and playing like they can, then I see them making it.
New York Rangers: Misses. The upside is incredibly tantalizing. Lafrenierre, Kaako, Shesterkin, if all 3 play to their full potential right away, it's hard to see them missing. But this is a flawed team. Panarin is a true Hart contender (He was my winner last year), but Ryan Strome as your 2nd line center? What if Zibanejad has a bad year or gets hurt? The D is skilled but not very stout. It's hard to see Shesterkin not having some wobbles.
But: If it all goes right for them, they could win the division going away. Further, the future is briiiiight.
Buffalo: Misses. It must be frustrating to be a Sabres fan, both in general and this season. This should be their year to potentially make some noise with the acquisition of Taylor Hall, continued development of Dahlin, potential bounce back of Skinner, and having a top 5-8 player in the game in Eichel. But the division is too tough, the goal tending is terrible, and the culture is broken until they prove that it isn't.
But: If Cozens, Staal, and Hall all come in and play like gangbusters, Dahlin goes supernova, and Jokiharju and Ristolainen play well enough, it could all come together at once for this team.
New Jersey: Misses. This is a team in transition. The young studs are too young, the old guys are too old. Subban seems like his body has broken down and/or he doesn't care enough anymore. Murray is constantly hurt (but is solid) and is slow as molasses, Kulikov is terrible. Hughes and Hischier are both players with tremendous upside, but they aren't ready to go head to head with the top 2 centers of the other teams in this division.
But: Blackwood and Crawford have the potential to be one of the top goaltending duos in the league, and if Hughes and Hischier both go supernova, it could be enough. But I don't see it.
---
I may come back later and look at the Central, but this took awhile and I have to go out. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.
MillarWithASave
#CatsAreComing
East :
Playoff Teams
PIT (Pittsburgh always finds a way to be a top team, they make the playoffs once again)
NYI (If they have good goaltending like they have for the past few seasons they will make the playoffs)
WAS (Ovi will bring the team to another playoff season, they have a solid forward group as usual)
BOS (Tons of aging players, and no leadership in Chara anymore might cost them a playoff spot)/PHI (Philly probably makes the playoff spot over Boston in my opinion, I think they're the darkhorse this season)
Misses
BOS/PHI
NYR (Fringe playoff team, but I think they have maybe 1-2 more years to be a real playoff contender, defense is a big question mark)
NJ (Forward group is super young, and I don't think they find the chemistry to get everything working to become a playoff team this year. Goaltending needs to be lights out)
BUF (If Hall and Eichel mesh well Buffalo could be fighting for a playoff spot, but I think they don't have enough to push them over the edge, they could be the darkhorse in this division though.)
Central :
Playoff Teams
TBL (Kucherov missing the season will be the only thing that holds them back)
CAR (Young skilled forwards and nice defensive core, goaltending lacks)
DAL (Injuries might cost them, lots of aging players, Bishop will have to be great as usual)
NSH (Pekka is getting old, they will be fighting for a playoff spot) /FLA (Bob needs to get back to form to get Florida into a playoff positon, Barkov needs to play better this season)
Misses
NSH/FLA
CHI (Tons of aging players, no solid goaltending, they probably miss)
DET (Do we even need to go here)
CBJ (Solid group, they will be on a fringe playoff team, but I think they miss)
Playoff Teams
PIT (Pittsburgh always finds a way to be a top team, they make the playoffs once again)
NYI (If they have good goaltending like they have for the past few seasons they will make the playoffs)
WAS (Ovi will bring the team to another playoff season, they have a solid forward group as usual)
BOS (Tons of aging players, and no leadership in Chara anymore might cost them a playoff spot)/PHI (Philly probably makes the playoff spot over Boston in my opinion, I think they're the darkhorse this season)
Misses
BOS/PHI
NYR (Fringe playoff team, but I think they have maybe 1-2 more years to be a real playoff contender, defense is a big question mark)
NJ (Forward group is super young, and I don't think they find the chemistry to get everything working to become a playoff team this year. Goaltending needs to be lights out)
BUF (If Hall and Eichel mesh well Buffalo could be fighting for a playoff spot, but I think they don't have enough to push them over the edge, they could be the darkhorse in this division though.)
Central :
Playoff Teams
TBL (Kucherov missing the season will be the only thing that holds them back)
CAR (Young skilled forwards and nice defensive core, goaltending lacks)
DAL (Injuries might cost them, lots of aging players, Bishop will have to be great as usual)
NSH (Pekka is getting old, they will be fighting for a playoff spot) /FLA (Bob needs to get back to form to get Florida into a playoff positon, Barkov needs to play better this season)
Misses
NSH/FLA
CHI (Tons of aging players, no solid goaltending, they probably miss)
DET (Do we even need to go here)
CBJ (Solid group, they will be on a fringe playoff team, but I think they miss)
Magic Mittens
Registered User
Dallas has two injuried players, and one is Bishop. Khudobin will have to carry the load. He was able to during the playoffs and has great for Dallas last regular season. Will be interesting to see how he does without Bishop this season
Dallas is a hard team to predict for this season though, I mean its easy to say they'll most likely struggle with Seguin and Bishop out, but Bishop was out for the playoffs and Seguin didnt do much since he was hurt and they still advanced to the finals. If Gurianov and Hintz can step up they should be ok
Tampa and Carolina will be locks and Detroit will hold that bottom spot
jetsforever
Registered User
- Dec 14, 2013
- 27,705
- 26,721
I could see the four "New York" teams missing, although I wonder which year Washington finally slumps (aging + unproven goaltending)
Gurglesons
Registered User
Pavel Buchnevich
Pavel Buchnevich "The Fake"
One thing I don't understand is how so many seem to forget that before play was suspended the Islanders were well on their way to missing the playoffs. They were in the worst form of any playoff contender before play was suspended. They benefited a lot from the format, and they played well once play resumed. You can't take that away from them, but it doesn't mean that over the course of a full season, even if it's only 56 games, that they are the lock playoff team many seem to be suggesting.
New Jersey and Buffalo will miss. Then I think one of the 4 of Boston, Washington, Philly and Pittsburgh will miss, with one of the Isles or Rangers taking their place. The Rangers are one team I think that has a wide range of possibilities.
In the Central, Tampa, and Carolina will be in, plus two of Dallas, Columbus and Nashville. I don't have faith in Florida, and Detroit and Chicago just aren't that good.
In the Central, Tampa, and Carolina will be in, plus two of Dallas, Columbus and Nashville. I don't have faith in Florida, and Detroit and Chicago just aren't that good.
Pure Slaughter Value
Registered User
I don’t think they’re a lock either but depth definitely comes into play during a short season with lots of back to backs, so it’s more favorable for them then teams with top-end skill that can coast through a season.
they also were missing their two best defensive players and have JGP in fold for the full season
it’s going to be a battle for all the teams in the Metro. Injuries will probably determine a team or two that will miss the playoffs
LeafsNation75
Registered User
When the 2019-20 season got suspended the Islanders were on a seven game losing streak going 0-3-4. Plus if you forget the points percentage in the standings which is what got the Islanders into that qualifying series against the Panthers, they were not in a playoff spot at that time in the Metropolitan or Wild Card.
If it wasn't for that 10 game winning streak they had from October 12, 2019 - November 5, 2019 they might have ended up like Buffalo and not made it to their qualifying series.
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