2011-12 NHL Predictions

The Boston Bruins celebrate their 4-0 win in the decisive Game 7 of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals. (Photo by Dave Sandford / Getty Images)

Decided to whip up a quick post on my predictions this season. The Pens will finally get a healthy Crosby & Malkin back in the line up at the same time, and cruise into the Finals. The Kings aka Philly-West will ride their newly acquired former Flyers and overcome poor MAF. Kris Letang will cut off his hair in protest. I'm taking the Los Angeles Kings over the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games, the Kings taking their first ever Stanley Cup back to sunny and smoggy LA.

Eastern Conference

Washington
Pittsburgh
Boston
Buffalo
Tampa Bay
Montreal
Philadelphia
Winnipeg
New Jersey
NY Rangers
Carolina
Ottawa
Toronto
NY Islanders
Florida

My boldest guess is predicting Winnipeg will make the playoffs, ahead of NY & NJ. Just going on a whim here, but I don't think they're as bad as everyone thinks. Kane is going to lead the team, along with Buff and Ladd. Disappointed fans in Atlanta will take a lot of abuse as the Winnipeg fans blame them for the Thrashers' inability to make the playoffs the last few years.

The Leafs will get off to another good start, then disappear. Kessel will be in the doghouse again, yadda yadda. On the bright side, the Senators will finish ahead of the Leafs, much to the delight of hockey fans everywhere (come on, you know you love seeing the Laffs fail!).

Western Conference

San Jose
Los Angeles
Vancouver
Detroit
Chicago
St. Louis
Anaheim
Columbus
Calgary
Dallas
Nashville
Minnesota
Edmonton
Phoenix
Colorado

Sharks and Canucks will again disappoint their fans. No big shocker. Detroit will have another strong year, and Columbus will sneak into the playoffs.

Meanwhile, I'll still be hoping I'm wrong, and my Boston Bruins can pull off a repeat!

It's Hockey Season!

So glad hockey is back. I have some very interesting news: for the first time in my life, I'm now a season ticket holder! Not for the Boston Bruins, unfortunately. I'm a 100-level season ticket holder for the New Jersey Devils. It happened by accident actually. I called to inquire about a mini-game plan for 14 games. As it turned out, doing 14 games + one more game would have cost just $150 less than a full season! So I bit the bullet and took the whole season, hoping that if I sell off some games I can end up paying a bit less than I would have for the mini pack. I've already managed to sell off three games, so I'm well on my way.

Why NJ, and why not NY? Well... the Rangers tickets are not only more expensive, but higher up, and the rink isn't as nice (sorry, but it's the truth!). I love the Prudential Center. The lighting is great, and the 100-level seats are nice. I'm thrilled to be able to get to quite a few games this year. Especially looking forward to seeing the Los Angeles Kings for the first time live in over a decade (they were the team I grew up with, for those that don't know).

This season is going to be great! I am really looking forward to my Boston Bruins working to defend their title. Also, I'm looking forward to seeing the Jets, especially Mark Scheifele. He looks to be quite an exciting player.

In any case, I leave you with a view from my seats. If you're in the NY/NJ area and are looking to attend a particular game, let me know; we might be able to work something out. (Section 117, Row 10, Seat 7)