My Playoff Predictions #1

Here are the teams that I think will make the playoffs.

Western Conference

1. San Jose Sharks

2. Chicago Blackhawks

3. Anaheim Ducks

4. Colorado Avalanche

5. L.A. Kings

6. St. Louis Blues

7. Phoenix Coyotes

8. Vancouver Canucks

Eastern Conference

1. Pittsburgh Pens

2. Toronto Maple Leafs

3. Boston Bruins
4. Detroit Red Wings
5. Montreal Canadian
6. Ottawa Senators

7. Carolina hurricanes

8. N.Y. Islanders

All 30 NHL teams

The Eastern conference is the toughest to play in at the moment. There are many teams that could slip into the seventh and eighth seeds. The Tampa Bay Lightning may have a decent shot at the playoffs if they do the right things. They still have more to prove before you can predict them making it to the postseason.

Another interesting team is the Washington Capitals. If they can string some wins together, they might be a solid contender. Alex Ovechkin has had a good start to the season with seven goals and three assists.

Alex Ovechkin after a goal

The Western Conference seems to be easier to play in. Every spot is pretty clear, except when you reach the eighth slot. Nashville, St.louis, Phoenix, Vancouver, or Minnesota could stumble into the playoffs.

Nashville Predators vs Minnesota Wild

The Colorado Avalanche might have a chance to finish higher if they play to their full capability. In order to play to their full potential, Semyon Varlamov and J.S. Giguere must be solid in goal. The Avs offense needs to produce more shots if they want to finish higher than the fourth seed. So far this season, the defense has been good. They have only allowed 12 goals in nine games. 

The Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog 

The Pens are skilled on all sides of the puck, and if their starting goaltender, Marc-Andre Fleury, returns to his old form they should grab the number one seed in the easter conference. They might just happen to win the Presidents Trophy (for most points in the NHL.)

The Toronto Maple leafs are making a statement this season. They have six wins and only three losses. The Leafs goal differential is a +8. This leads me to believe that they will be a higher seed this year.

Carolina has been very good so far. However, I don't think their hot start will continue. They will make it but not very far. I believe this because their goal differential is a negative four. Two key players are Eric Staal and Cam Ward. Eric Staal must contribute at least fifty points this season, so that the Hurricanes will get some offense. Cam Ward has to be solid in goal this year and avoid injuries. 

Eric Staal