2017 FNHL Division Predictions

[Daddy]

It would probably be wise to make predictions closer to September 30th but with the bulk of FA over with and few if any impact players in the entry draft, team rosters are rounding out.

If anyone would like to take a stab, it's always good chatter to see early predictions.

Can Boston repeat?
Will LA have a cakewalk to another finals birth?
Is the Metro going to be the most dominant division?
Will Vegas be a playoff team in its inaugural season?
Are any non playoff team's from 2016 getting in?

I think the 8 Western conference playoff team's can accurately be picked right now, and almost the exact seeding.

I think 12 of 16 Eastern Conference team's are in the hunt for a playoff spot in the East, and the other 4 team's would all challenge for a playoff spot out West.

The season starts in just a few weeks. Anyone want to take a stab at predictions on the record? Here is your chance.

[halo99]

Montreal and Philadelphia are much improved from last year and should make the playoffs in the East. I'm not sure who drops out from the east though. I'd say top three in the Atlantic will be Florida, Boston with Montreal/Tampa battling for third. Not sure on the Metro but it looks like a really good team or two will miss the playoffs from the East

The west should be similar to last year in the Central. Hawks, Preds, Avs, Blues and Stars all make it.

Pacific I have the Kings and Oilers as locks with Vegas, Arizona and Calgary batting for the last playoff spot.

Florida is the favorite to come out of the East
Nashville is the favorite in the West.

Final 4 will be Preds-Kings  and NYR-Florida

[Jonathan]

Boston Florida and then Toronto in Atlantic
Rangers and then its wide open after that in Metro
Kings, Flames and then the rest for 3rd playoff spot
Nash, Chicago and then Colorado/Blues

[dickiedunn]

Pacific
VGK
LAK
EDM

Central
CHI
NSH
STL

WESTERN WILD CARDS
CGY
DAL

Atlantic
FLA
BOS
MTL

Metro
PIT
NYR
NYI

EASTERN WILD CARDS
CAR
TBL

As the teams and roster stand at this moment in time, this is what I predict. We all know things can change dramatically over the course of the season especially new owners and their ability, time and willingness to make necessary changes.

Buffalo, Winnipeg, Anaheim and Philadelphia have a chance to contend but are all a work in progress.

I am sure I will update my views once the season begins.

- DD

[TheBeef]

Buffalo Sabres expect to be better this year.

I haven't looked at all the rosters to understand the big picture but will say last year's final four of Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, NY Islanders, and Nashville Predators look very good again.

[PigsRule]

Not so sure Florida is a lock to make the postseason. I'd love to think we can but there's serious competition in the East and especially the Atlantic ... teams have to watch out for.  Plenty of new owners in tge Atlantic looking to make a name for themselves in 2017-18.

[izaman3]

Seems like everyone is sleeping on Detroit. My team is great. The boys are going to go out and play hard this year. We're definitely a lock for the playoffs.

[halo99]

Detroit is good but who are you leaving out from the Atlantic? Seems like There are at least 6 teams with legitimate playoff hopes in that division but only three guaranteed spots. Metro is also tough so I think it would be a stretch to think that the Atlantic would get more than four in imo.

[blkhwkfn]

Well I say lets start the season and find out

[Daddy]

Detroit is good but who are you leaving out from the Atlantic? Seems like There are at least 6 teams with legitimate playoff hopes in that division but only three guaranteed spots. Metro is also tough so I think it would be a stretch to think that the Atlantic would get more than four in imo.

Who do you have top 3 in each division?