2008-09 NHL PREDICTIONS

Another hockey season is upon us. Though many variables will affect the final standings, most notably injuries, here are my picks for the upcoming season!

EAST

1. MONTREAL
2. PITTSBURGH
3. WASHINGTON
4. NY RANGERS
5. PHILADELPHIA
6. NEW JERSEY
7. CAROLINA
8. BOSTON
9. BUFFALO
10. OTTAWA
11. FLORIDA
12. NY ISLANDERS
13. TORONTO
14. TAMPA BAY
15. ATLANTA

Obviously, this is not how things will play out. The way I see things, the Atlantic Division is a powerhouse save for the Isles. It would be impossible for the other 4 teams to finish how I have them above, due to head-to-head play within the division. Teams 7-15 could really end up in any order. They lack what the others have. It's a crapshoot!

WEST

1. DETROIT
2. ANAHEIM
3. CALGARY
4. DALLAS
5. SAN JOSE
6. MINNESOTA
7. CHICAGO
8. NASHVILLE
9. VANCOUVER
10. EDMONTON
11. COLORADO
12. COLUMBUS
13. ST. LOUIS
14. PHOENIX
15. LOS ANGELES

The first 5 teams are the powerhouses and could finish in any order. Teams 5-9 have a great shot, the rest of the pack simply can't contend in a solid conference.