Earlier than the 2025-26 NHL season — on Sept. 24, to be precise — we made daring predictions for all 32 groups. With 1 / 4 of that season now within the books, it is time to examine the validity of these claims.
At the very least one among them was already proved true. At the very least one among them was very, very incorrect.
Here is a progress report on our daring predictions. We’ll charge every prediction on a 1-10 scale, with “1” indicating that the prediction completely won’t come true and “10” indicating that I completely nailed it. Get pleasure from!
Atlantic Division
Bruins will commerce Pavel Zacha
Contemplating the Bruins’ large trade-off final season, seeing Zacha shipped out throughout their “retool” made sense. He is a middle who performs in all aspects of the sport and actually discovered his offensive stride since arriving in Boston. He is signed by way of subsequent season at a really reasonably priced $4.75 million yearly towards the wage cap.
However his availability is predicated on a couple of elements. Like whether or not Boston sees Zacha as a part of their long-term options. Like if Boston is contending for a playoff spot or not. Like if somebody on this center-starved league calls up GM Don Sweeney and makes him a suggestion he cannot refuse.
Daring prediction confidence score: 7
Rasmus Dahlin is a Norris Trophy finalist
Dahlin is skating with so much on his thoughts. He revealed earlier than the season that his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, obtained a coronary heart transplant this summer time following a well being scare whereas on trip. Earlier this month, he returned to Sweden to look after her, lacking three video games. The help he obtained from the hockey group was inspiring and a reminder of how far we have are available consideration of a participant’s life exterior the NHL.
Within the 17 video games Dahlin has performed, he has 14 factors with 13 of them assists. That locations him within the high 10 amongst defensemen in scoring. That he performs for a Sabres crew as soon as once more struggling to contend should not affect his Norris candidacy, as he completed sixth for the award final season. If there’s an analytic argument for his protection to associate with robust offensive numbers, he is acquired a shot at being one among three finalists.
The true concern with this daring prediction is that for the foreseeable future, there may be just one Norris Trophy finalist spot open to somebody who is not Cale Makar or Quinn Hughes.
Daring prediction confidence score: 5
0:18
Rasmus Dahlin notches objective on the ability play
Rasmus Dahlin capitalizes on the ability play
Steve Yzerman fails upward
Naturally I predicted that the Crimson Wings’ normal supervisor would abdicate the throne within the season the place Detroit raced to first place within the Atlantic. I nonetheless haven’t got an excessive amount of religion within the “Yzerplan” — tough begins for high prospect Marco Kasper and goaltending resolution John Gibson have not helped — however Stevie Y probably will not be going wherever if the Crimson Wings enhance on their .524 factors share from final season.
In fact, that is going to rely on whether or not Detroit avoids its conventional second-half tailspin. Over the previous two seasons, the Crimson Wings are 16-23-4 after March 1. In the event that they fall in need of the playoffs and are worse than final season’s document … effectively, he is been the GM since 2019. What number of extra probabilities does the franchise legend get?
Daring prediction confidence score: 4
Sergei Bobrovsky will get a “Marchand” deal
Common-season Bob is the man who’s 9-5-0 by way of 14 video games with a .883 save share and a 2.80 goals-against common. He does what he must with the intention to gather factors to make the postseason. Which is the place he turns into Playoff Bob, the man who has led the Panthers to 3 straight Stanley Cup finals and two straight championships. The man with the .914 save share and a 2.20 GAA in 23 video games final postseason.
The Panthers simply re-signed a man named Sam Bennett who’s productive within the common season and a monster within the playoffs. I think about they will do the identical with Bobrovsky. The Panthers additionally simply re-signed a 37-year-old to a six-year contract that pays him $5.25 million towards the cap yearly. I think about they will do the identical with Bobrovsky. Like Brad Marchand, he would not need to go away, both.
Daring prediction confidence score: 8
Kaiden Guhle earns leaguewide appreciation
Nicely, it seems Kaiden Guhle performed 5 video games earlier than having surgical procedure for {a partially} torn abductor muscle and can miss at the very least two months of the season.
Now, that does go away sufficient time within the season for him to make an affect and earn the discover he deserves. Or, failing that, the Canadiens miss him desperately whereas he is on the mend and he is appreciated for his absence.
Daring prediction confidence score: 6
Dylan Cozens units new profession highs
The targets for this daring prediction: 31 objectives and 68 factors, set when Cozens was a 21-year-old middle with the Sabres in 2022-23.
The progress to date: Cozens has seven objectives and 7 assists in 19 video games. That places him proper round 30 objectives however effectively in need of his profession level whole. Praying for a scorching streak in some unspecified time in the future this season.
Daring prediction confidence score: 3
Lightning will win the Atlantic Division
The Lightning face-planted out of the gate with a 1-4-2 document after which suffered a slew of accidents to gamers like Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh and Anthony Cirelli. They’ve now received 9 of 12 video games and a number of the elements of their crew that have been struggling — like their energy play — may be rounding into type. Sooner or later it will be good if Brayden Level appeared like Brayden Level once more, however he is acquired time.
Stathletes initiatives the Lightning to have an 81.5% probability of ending first within the Atlantic Division. We’ll take it.
Daring prediction confidence score: 8
Leafs will retain Nick Robertson
Given the whole lot that swirled across the Maple Leafs within the first month of the season, this prediction reads like an act of cowardice. The place was “they fireplace Craig Berube earlier than Christmas?” Or “the Leafs miss the playoffs outright?”
As an alternative, I predicted that Nick Robertson, a participant perpetually in commerce rumors, would stay with the crew slightly than being shipped out. He is nonetheless there, enjoying in 19 of their 20 video games and has 11 factors. However who is aware of the place the wacky season in Toronto takes him.
Daring prediction confidence score: 7
Metropolitan Division
Canes will win the Japanese Convention
The Hurricanes’ regular-season success has turn into so anticipated underneath coach Rod Brind’Amour that their 13-5-1 begin is simply background noise within the Japanese Convention proper now — regardless of not having star defenseman Jaccob Slavin for all however two video games of it. They’ve made the convention finals in three of the seven years that Rod the Bod has coached them, together with two of the previous three seasons by which they have been eradicated by the Florida Panthers. No disgrace in that. Ask Edmonton.
Their challenge within the playoffs stays their objective scoring. They averaged 3.12 objectives per sport throughout that three-year span within the postseason, down from 3.27 over 246 regular-season video games 2022-25.
Absent a star scorer like Jake Guentzel or Mikko Rantanen, maybe that defect prevents them from enjoying for the Stanley Cup once more. Or maybe the early returns on the Carolina offense this season (3.63 objectives per sport over 19 video games) underscore how deep their objective technology goes on this version of the Canes, indicating they’ve sufficient of it to lastly break by way of the Japanese Convention ceiling.
All of that ignores the elephant within the room, which is that nobody within the Japanese Convention appears all that formidable in the mean time compared to the Hurricanes. Except after all the Panthers get Aleksander Barkov again for the playoffs …
Daring prediction confidence score: 7
Jet Greaves takes over the crease
There have been few stats extra jarring than the Blue Jackets being among the many leaders in crew save share through the first 20 video games of the season, given the current effectiveness between the pipes. The goalie rotation of Jet Greaves and Elvis Merzļikins was working effectively, nevertheless it was changing into more and more apparent that Greaves was outplaying his tandem accomplice. He had a .904 save share in 12 video games and better objectives saved above anticipated.
If the crease is not Greaves’ now, will probably be ultimately. The Jackets have waited for somebody to play effectively sufficient to relegate Merzļikins to a backup position, and Jet might need the gas to do it.
Daring prediction confidence score: 7
Jack Hughes performs 82 video games
Mea culpa: I used to be unaware that the Devils have been going to have a crew dinner at a Chicago steakhouse whereby Jack Hughes would have what’s been referred to as a “freak accident” that concerned getting his finger sliced by glass. Jack had surgical procedure and shall be out a minimal of six weeks, all however assuring that New Jersey will proceed to be a franchise with out a 50-goal scorer or 100-point participant and that his daring prediction can already be deposited within the trash.
On the plus aspect, Hughes was right when he sassed reporters earlier than the season about his offseason conditioning and perpetual accidents. There is no accounting for freak accidents on the ice or across the glass.
Daring prediction confidence score: ZERO
Patrick Roy coaches his final season on Lengthy Island
I will blame Matthew Schaefer for mucking up what ought to have been a reasonably simple name right here.
Roy reportedly would not have a contract past this season. He has a brand new normal supervisor in Mathieu Darche who had no hand in hiring him, and as a brand new normal supervisor, he would in all probability prefer to get his personal man in there in some unspecified time in the future. The Islanders have been projected to complete with round 84 factors and had a 1-in-4 probability of creating the playoffs.
Then the 18-year-old first total decide within the NHL draft reveals up, performs like Cale Makar, and infuses your complete group with a youthful enthusiasm and optimism. Out of the blue the Islanders are in a playoff spot and ascendant within the East.
I am not promoting on this prediction but for the elements listed above and since it is so early. However I’m shaking a fist within the path of Matthew Schaefer whereas muttering one thing about “these youngsters at present.”
Daring prediction confidence score: 5
0:56
Matthew Schaefer makes NHL historical past with OT winner for Islanders
Matthew Schaefer turns into the youngest participant in NHL historical past to attain an time beyond regulation objective within the common season.
Rangers return to the playoffs
There have been stretches within the first 21 video games of the season by which this prediction appeared fairly good, and there have been stretches by which the Rangers making the playoffs appears implausible.
Stathletes says there’s an 84.2% probability the Blueshirts make the Stanley Cup playoffs, which supplies me hope. So do the seasons that goalie Igor Shesterkin and defenseman Adam Fox are having, and the seasons that gamers comparable to forwards Will Cuylle and Vincent Trocheck could have once they get by way of the crew’s early-season offensive doldrums.
And but I fear about their depth, which was a priority earlier than the season and is a deeper one having gotten eyes on them. I fear about captain J.T. Miller, whose offensive numbers have fallen off a cliff whereas fan-cams are catching him appearing listless defensively. I fear that the chemistry is off and the competitors is just too good. However I hold the religion that Mike Sullivan and the Rangers will determine this factor out. And if they do not, GM Chris Drury will little doubt be aggressive in attempting to make sure they do.
Daring prediction confidence score: 7
Flyers win the Gavin McKenna draft lottery
The impetus for this prediction was mainly a goof on Penguins followers who thought their crew would proceed its downward trajectory solely to finish up with the primary total phenom in subsequent yr’s draft who additionally occurs to play at Penn State. Would not it’s humorous if he went to the opposite crew within the state? Ha, ha. Everybody laughs.
Nicely, it seems the Penguins aren’t presently enjoying like a lottery crew and the Flyers are stubbornly hanging robust within the Metro Division underneath head coach Rick Tocchet because of distinctive goaltending from offseason pickup Dan Vladar.
I am heartened that the analytics group nonetheless sees the Flyers as an eventual cellar dweller. Stathletes initiatives them as a lottery crew (89.2 factors). Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic has them a lot decrease at 81.6 factors, forward of solely 4 different groups.
I bear in mind sharing this prediction with somebody in Philadelphia not too long ago who mentioned it will be ironic if the Flyers received the lottery the yr by which a winger (McKenna) was high decide, given their wants at middle. It is like 10,000 spoons when all you want is a knife.
Daring prediction confidence score: 7
Sidney Crosby performs someplace within the playoffs this season
The true genius of this prediction was in its vagueness. Like many others, I heard the hypothesis that Crosby may find yourself leaving the Penguins if this was one other misplaced season. That he was bored with lacking out on crucial time of the NHL calendar and wasn’t going to be mired in a rebuild.
I requested Sid about that concept on the NHL participant media tour in September. He instructed me it wasn’t something on his thoughts as a result of he was optimistic that the Penguins, picked by many to complete final within the division, may return to the playoffs for the primary time since 2022. Which, admittedly, appeared delusional. However it was sufficient for me to hedge my daring prediction, declaring that he would play within the playoffs “someplace,” together with on the off probability that might be in Pittsburgh.
What I did not rely on was Crosby prepared the Penguins into the playoffs himself. Via 19 video games, the Penguins have a .632 factors share and Crosby is main them with 23 factors. His buddy Evgeni Malkin, additionally the topic of commerce hypothesis, leads the crew with 12 objectives.
They have been by no means going to depart Pittsburgh if the crew was related. Via their very own efforts, some Jack Adams-level teaching by Dan Muse and the second-best goaltending within the league to date, the Penguins not solely are related however are a crew that might make the playoffs. Which might be nice by me, as a result of Pittsburgh is — finally examine — “someplace.”
Daring prediction confidence score: 7
Ovechkin breaks one other Gretzky document
After shattering essentially the most well-known Wayne Gretzky goal-scoring document final season, Ovechkin has an opportunity to shatter one other one this season. Gretzky scored 1,016 objectives mixed between the common season and the Stanley Cup playoffs. Ovechkin wanted 43 objectives between the common season and postseason to beat that mark.
Via 19 video games, Ovechkin has six objectives. That tempo would put him underneath 30 objectives for the season. Even with a protracted playoff run by the Capitals, it will be onerous to see him break that mark with out a larger objective cushion within the common season. The excellent news is that when Ovechkin will get scorching, his goal-scoring tempo can get scorching.
Daring prediction confidence score: 6
Central Division
Frank Nazar doubles his factors whole
With Connor Bedard having a star-making season (13 objectives in 19 video games) that may earn him a visit to the Olympics, no matter Frank Nazar does for the Blackhawks may be a bit ignored. He is been nice, with 13 factors in 17 video games and enjoying in all phases of the sport. He briefly missed a while after taking a cross-check from Joel Farabee earlier this month, however Nazar is again and choosing up factors once more.
He tallied 26 factors in 53 video games final season. At his present scoring charge, and assuming he stays within the lineup, Nazar may high 60 factors. He is not on Bedard’s line, however he will get to hold with him on the ability play. That is adequate for me.
Daring prediction confidence score: 8
0:57
Frank Nazar scores objective vs. Senators
Frank Nazar scores objective vs. Senators
Avs win the Western Convention
It is at all times a pleasant feeling once you hitch your wagon to a bulldozer. The Avalanche began the season going 13-1-5 of their first 19 video games. They led the NHL in offense and protection and had its main scorer in factors and objectives (Nathan MacKinnon), its high scorer amongst defensemen (Cale Makar) and the fourth finest crew save share (.909) because of a 33-year-old journeyman having probably one of the best season of his professional profession (Scott Wedgewood).
What’s scary concerning the Avs is that there is nonetheless a lot room for enchancment in gamers comparable to Brock Nelson, Gabe Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin.
The caveat right here is that the Avalanche have not made it previous the second spherical since profitable the Stanley Cup in 2022. However to date, MacKinnon & Co. appear completely decided to drink of the chalice once more subsequent June.
Daring prediction confidence score: 8
Matt Duchene regresses
It does really feel a bit awkward to grade this one out with Duchene on long-term injured reserve in the mean time with an undisclosed ailment. He hasn’t performed since Oct. 18. Duchene had a objective and an help in 4 video games.
My level nonetheless stands that the departure of Mikael Granlund and Mason Marchment mixed with a downgrade from his 19.7% capturing share means Duchene will not hit that point-per-game tempo from final season when he returns to the ice.
Daring prediction confidence score: 8
Zeev Buium outscores Brock Faber
Via 20 video games, Zeev Buium had 10 factors to Brock Faber’s 9 factors, so let’s cease the rely and name this one a win!
OK, to dig into this a bit additional, my prediction right here was predicated closely on Buium getting high unit power-play time, assuming that he would not produce all that a lot at 5-on-5 as a rookie. True to type, seven of his 10 factors have come on the person benefit. He is averaging extra ice time per sport (3:22) than Faber (1:04) on the ability play to date this season, however his position because the quarterback for Kirill Kaprizov’s unit is not cemented.
He hasn’t produced a lot of something in his final 10 video games heading into Wednesday evening, and his total ice time has been fluctuating. I am involved however assured.
Daring prediction confidence score: 6
Andrew Brunette retains his job
GM Barry Trotz not too long ago mentioned that the Predators are in a “transitional section” as a company however would not go as far to name it a “rebuild.” Both manner, it is clear issues aren’t working underneath Brunette for a second straight season, which may necessitate his firing …
… solely what would that accomplish? Brunette signed a four-year deal in 2024. Except Trotz desires so as to add “coach” to his job title for no vital bump in pay, would not it make sense for the group to let Brunette coach by way of a misplaced season as a substitute of paying him to not work?
The one eventualities I see by which Brunette would not end the season are if Trotz felt compelled to save lots of the season himself or if he felt that AHL Milwaukee Admirals coach Karl Taylor was the following man behind the bench and needed to offer him a couple of months of expertise this season. As a result of even when issues get unhealthy for Nashville, that is in the end good in a “transitional section,” no?
Daring prediction confidence score: 7
Jimmy Snuggerud, Calder Trophy finalist
Snuggerud has been unremarkable through the first 20 video games of the season after making an enormous impression with 4 factors in seven playoff video games final season. He has 5 objectives and 6 assists, skating to a minus-2. He has performed up with Pavel Buchnevich and Robert Thomas and has gotten some power-play time.
Snuggerud faces two vital issues proper now as a Calder candidate. The primary is that the Blues stink, and due to this fact his accomplishments aren’t going to get the identical consideration as these of rookies on contending groups. The second is that defenseman Matthew Schaefer of the Islanders and ahead Ivan Demidov of the Canadiens have completely owned the rookie highlight by way of the primary quarter of the season.
Throw in a quartet of fascinating rookies in objective — Yaroslav Askarov (SJS), Jakub Dobes (MTL), Jesper Wallstedt (MIN) and Arturs Silovs (PIT) — and it is already a crowded subject. However Snuggerud nonetheless has a lane to the Calder if he can decide up the scoring tempo. And by that we imply lead all rookie forwards in factors.
Daring prediction confidence score: 6
The Mammoth make the playoff lower
When the Mammoth misplaced their third straight time beyond regulation sport this week, head coach André Tourigny joked, “We’re undefeated in regulation within the final 4 [games]. Let’s put it that manner.”
To that finish, the Mammoth are choosing up factors once more after shedding 5 of six video games in regulation. That adopted seven straight wins. That is what younger, super-talented groups do, and Utah is not resistant to it.
The Mammoth have proven me sufficient to be assured that the sum whole of this season shall be a playoff look. Their core gamers are nice, and their younger stars like Logan Cooley are consistently bettering. If I’ve a priority, it is in objective, the place Karel Vejmelka and Vitek Vanecek are each enjoying under substitute ranges. However I am not giving up on them Yeti, er, but.
Daring prediction confidence score: 7
0:44
Clayton Keller wins it in OT for Utah
Clayton Keller wins it in OT for Utah
Kyle Connor stays, makes Marner cash
After my predictions story ran Sept. 24, Connor signed an eight-year contract extension Oct. 8 price $96 million, which supplies him a $12 million common annual worth by way of 2033-34.
Mitch Marner had signed an eight-year contract extension on June 30 price $96 million, which supplies him a $12 million common annual worth by way of 2032-33.
Only a tomahawk dunk from the foul line of a prediction. I might give this an 11 if I may.
Daring prediction confidence score: 10
Pacific Division
Geese are a last week elimination
The Geese have been an early-season revelation as new head coach Joel Quenneville unlocked their offense to the tune of three.63 objectives per sport, third within the league. Younger stars like Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier have been among the many NHL’s high scorers. Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba have been enjoying like they needed to make the Rangers remorse forcing them out of MSG. Anaheim sat atop the Pacific Division, wanting like they’ve turned the nook.
Stathletes offers Anaheim a 67% probability of creating the playoffs, which tells you that this early-season dash by the Geese is not an aberration. However contending for and making the playoffs are two various things. One assumes the Oilers will do what they normally do: begin sluggish after which catch fireplace to complete within the high three within the division. The Kings are stable. The Golden Knights have not actually hit their stride. The wild card could possibly be crowded with groups just like the Mammoth, Wild and Kraken.
However the purpose I am sticking with a near-miss by these Geese: They do not defend at a playoff stage but. Which is okay, as a result of numerous them are nonetheless ducklings. Lukas Dostal is sweet sufficient to hold them to the bubble, nevertheless it’ll ultimately pop days earlier than the postseason.
Daring prediction confidence score: 7
Nazem Kadri shall be traded
The Flames had the worst document within the NHL by way of 21 video games, with only a .310 factors share. They may be the one crew within the league for whom you can say the season was already misplaced, sitting 10 factors out of the ultimate wild-card spot and 11 factors out of third place within the Pacific on Nov. 19.
As one would anticipate, the commerce rumor industrial complicated is feasting on Flames content material. Pending UFA defenseman Rasmus Andersson has been the topic of hypothesis for many of the yr. Versatile ahead Blake Coleman, signed by way of 2026-27, could possibly be a coveted addition. However it’s Kadri that continues to enchant followers whose groups want a No. 2 middle, together with his distinctive mixture of talent and snarl. He has restricted commerce safety.
TSN’s Darren Dreger mentioned the Flames aren’t purchasing Kadri, who’s signed by way of 2028-29 at a stable cap hit ($7 million annualy), particularly noting that “Flames possession” desires to maintain him round. In order that’s discouraging, however not almost as discouraging because the outcomes the Flames do not get on the ice. Transferring him may simply ultimately make extra sense than maintaining him round if some contender sees him as the ultimate piece of a championship puzzle.
Daring prediction confidence score: 6
Connor McDavid indicators a team-friendly, three-year extension
Connor McDavid ended his contract drama by signing an extension on Oct. 6. Was it team-friendly, as predicted? Sure, as McDavid signed for a lot lower than market worth, insofar as such a factor may exist for one of the best hockey participant on the planet. The Oilers inked him to a deal that carries a median annual worth of $12.5 million, which is $1.5 million much less yearly than teammate Leon Draisaitl.
Was it three years? No, it was not. McDavid shocked many by taking an excellent shorter short-term take care of Edmonton, giving them a three-year window — this season, plus two extra — by which to lastly win a Stanley Cup with McDavid.
So, in the long run, partial credit score.
Daring prediction confidence score: 8
0:39
McDavid scores absurd spinning backhand objective for Oilers
Connor McDavid places defender Denton Mateychuk in a spin cycle and backhands an unbelievable objective previous Jet Greaves.
Remove the Oilers within the first spherical
Cease us if you happen to’ve heard this one earlier than: The Kings are a superb protection crew (sixth within the NHL) that does not generate sufficient objective scoring (twenty sixth). They’ve a .600 factors share to date in Anze Kopitar’s farewell tour and are wanting like a playoff crew once more.
Once more, the regulation of averages would point out that the Kings will not lose to the Oilers in a fifth straight opening-round collection. This may be one of the best yr to catch Edmonton, with a roster that may not match the depth of those that rolled to the Stanley Cup Closing in consecutive seasons.
In hindsight, I goofed up this prediction with specificity. I ought to have mentioned “the Kings advance additional within the playoffs than the Oilers” on the off probability Edmonton would not qualify. Which, given the present state of issues …
Daring prediction confidence score: 7
Macklin Celebrini hits 90 factors
What a season to date for Celebrini. At one level he led the NHL in factors as he powered the Sharks to respectability for the primary time in years. Nobody on the crew is extra deserving of the enormous teal shark jaws necklace that Ryan Reaves is forcing gamers of the sport to put on whereas topless throughout postgame interviews.
Celebrini had 30 factors in his first 20 video games. Primarily based on his present scoring tempo, Celebrini would find yourself within the neighborhood of 123 factors in his second NHL season. That is not precisely going to tamp down the Sidney Crosby comparisons.
Daring prediction confidence score: 9
Kraken are the commerce deadline’s high vendor
The Kraken have been higher than anticipated at the beginning of the season, amassing a .605 factors share in 19 video games and sitting in a playoff spot as play started on Thursday. New coach Lane Lambert has them enjoying a assured and efficient defensive sport.
However Seattle would not precisely generate all that a lot offense (twenty eighth within the NHL). Does that imply they ultimately slip down the standings in a aggressive division and convention, or do they continue to be shut sufficient within the playoff hunt that they are not seeking to transfer any of their half-dozen pending free brokers like Jaden Schwartz, Jordan Eberle, Mason Marchment or Jamie Oleksiak?
Daring prediction confidence score: 5
Elias Pettersson cracks 30 objectives once more
Freed from J.T. Miller’s dressing room tormenting, many anticipated this to be a bounce-back marketing campaign for Pettersson on the Canucks. His offensive numbers are up year-over-year, with 19 factors in 21 video games. Sadly, his goal-scoring charges are extra aligned with final season (0.8 objectives per 60 minutes) than when he was good for 30 objectives in a season. Pettersson had six objectives in these 21 video games, which initiatives to round 24 for the season.
I by no means thought I might say this, however I might a lot slightly Elias Pettersson have Kiefer Sherwood’s objective whole proper now.
Daring prediction confidence score: 4
Knights make the convention finals
It is onerous to get a deal with on how good the Golden Knights will be given their lineup absences, which have included Mark Stone, Adin Hill, Noah Hanifin and William Karlsson.
We all know how unimaginable Jack Eichel has been (24 factors in 19 video games) and that Mitch Marner continues to be doing his 200-foot participant factor (21 factors, plus-10). We additionally know that Shea Theodore has stepped up massive time within the absence of Alex Pietrangelo and that Ivan Barbashev and Pavel Dorofeyev have absurd capturing percentages. We all know they’re adept at choosing up factors within the common season, putting second within the Pacific by way of 19 video games.
In the event that they’re at full capability within the postseason, I feel the Golden Knights can emerge from the Pacific this season, particularly if Mark Stone can go. They’re essentially sound and bodily as they arrive. However yeah, I am a bit nervous we’ll by no means see them at full capability.
Daring prediction confidence score: 8
