I'd do a write-up, but I honestly cba cause I'm tired. Obviously a lot of this is subject to change when more information is available, both regarding teams and the league.
Some teams (SJS, Detroit etc.) were never as bad as the standings told us last year. San José had the worst goaltending, like ever, and if they start the season poorly they could sell off and tank, just as well as buying on, say Crawford retained, and place second in the division.
Could Pittsburgh win the division? Yeah. Do I think it's likely? No. Does that mean I give it a 0% chance? Still no. Does that mean I think they're good? No.
Basically, within tiers, I think the order matters very-little-to-nothing. I do however think it's *very* unlikely that a team places more than one tier out of where I've placed them.
Meaning: I find it *very* unlikely that Colorado places worse than third in the Central. I found it *very* unlikely that Vegas doesn't win the Pacific. Boston and Toronto *could* win the Atlantic in my eyes, while I don't think Montreal places better than second, again *most likely*.
Now - maybe I've misjudged some things. I, for example, see an indication already of NYI handling their cap situation poorly. Maybe I should expect the same from Tampa? Sure, yes, maybe, but also I'll believe it when I see it.
The hardest thing in my opinion is properly predicting when the scales tip over for good-but-aging teams into old-and-bad teams, along with prospect-pooling-tankers to playoff-hopefulls. I don't think the Kings get going yet, but in the next 1-3 years I think they'll have an explosive season and place like 4 spots ahead of where we expect them to.
So it looks like I did a little write-up anyways. I really have no life.
Tell me why I'm awfully biased against your team specifically because I'm a fan of their worst rivals (yes, all of them) down below. Thanks for reading, leave a comment, be nice etc.
Yeah I mean good luck, I guess I'm happy for you if it happens! I have no personal investment whatsoever, I just don't see it.
I see Matt Murray having a bounce back season. And Tkachuk, Norris, Dadonov, Stutzle, Batherson, White, Tierney, Chabot and Brannstrom all getting over 40pts
I see Matt Murray having a bounce back season. And Tkachuk, Norris, Dadonov, Stutzle, Batherson, White, Tierney, Chabot and Brannstrom all getting over 40pts
I mean I think Tkachuk, Dadonov and Chabot all are good players. I think the issue with the rest is they might all get out-scored on regardless of what they produce. I think Brännström could have a breakout season. I highly doubt a strong, positive impact form Stützle.
I can’t wait for this amazing underdog story. It’s gonna be a good one
Anythings possible. But with all the other good teams in the atlantic (or canadian) I don't see the sens making the playoffs 2021. I'm expecting them to make it in 2021-22.