No one listened to me when I predicted Calgary/Tampa Bay two years ago, and no one listened to me when I said the Mighty Ducks were going to make it three years ago. So blow me off as some crazy asshole again if you wish. But as far as I’m concerned, I’m batting 1.000 with these predictions…
Some one from the Northwest Division will play for the Stanley Cup. Argue with me all you want. Tell me how the Red Wings have the best record in the NHL. Well, here is all I have to say to you…
Yeah, that's Ponch...
You know why Detroit has the best record? It’s because they are in the shittiest division in hockey. I will give Nashville some credit; they are actually proving themselves this year. However, look at the other three teams Detroit plays the majority of their games against; St. Louis, Chicago, and Columbus, the three worst teams in the West, and three of the five worst teams in the whole league. Any team can rack up 83 points when 35 of them come against those three teams.
Now you will probably say “the first place team in the Northwest is 10 points behind Detroit.” That is true. And it is because the Northwest division has to play the Northwest division for half of its games. When you have four of the best teams in hockey in the same division, there is not going to be one real winner or one real loser in the group. All the teams will win about the same amount, and lose the same amount. So while Detroit is off parading about how they can beat the St. Louis Blues (Whoopty fucking doo), Colorado is just hanging in there battling it out with the toughest competitors in the sport, and still staying on track to make the playoffs. Right now four of the five teams from the Northwest would make the playoffs. Minnesota is barely two games back from that #8 spot. All five teams could legitimately make the playoffs, and I guarantee at least four of them will. Just as the “Frozen Four” was all WCHA teams last year in college hockey, I predict a Northwest Division only Western Conference semi-final. Calgary, Colorado, Edmonton, and Vancouver.
As for the East, Philadelphia is going to win. Carolina is Carolina, the Rangers are the Rangers, and the Dominator could be out that rest of the season. There is nothing more to say.
Stanley Cup Finals – Calgary (or another Northwest team) vs. Philly
The Champ - The Flyers are going to win it all
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