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!