The 12/13 Prognosticator Thread

[Rob]

The 2012 offseason free agent frenzy seems to be winding down and teams are taking shape for the 12/13 season.  Since we have some time to kill before the season (if there is one...) I think some predictions are in order!  Here are my top 5 DNHL teams for the upcoming season, in descending order:

#5 Washington Capitals
This team was a big underachiever last season but I see them bouncing back.  They're loaded from the left side and if guys like Backstrom rebound, look out DNHL!

#4 Anaheim Ducks
No surprise that Anaheim is ranked highly as they're one of the best run franchises in the league.  Solid goaltending and, like Washington, very strong from the left side.

#3 Chicago Blackhawks
This team led the league in wins in 11/12 and should make another strong showing in 12/13.  This is one of the most well rounded teams in the league and probably has more depth than anyone, other than maybe Detroit.

#2 Los Angeles Kings
Drew won't be getting any bad luck awards this year.  If the prior Kings owners had set lineups somewhat consistently this team would have been a deep playoff contender.  I expect to see that this year.

#1 Detroit Redwings
Great goaltending and excellent depth at forward.  I think the Wings are far and away the best team on paper.  I would say they're a tad weak at the blue line but depth is more important at that position than stud D players. 

That's my take at this point.  I was sorry not to have the Bruins on this list but I had to be fair, these teams just stand out to me right now.  What do you think?

[Rob]

Regarding the notable omission of powerhouse teams and ; I fully expect both teams to be in the top 5 conversation at the end of the season.  These are just on paper predictions as I see it now.  I would also like to note that if Dougie Hamilton gets the call this year these predictions are null and void as will take all top 5 positions...

[snugerud]

Carolina, Detroit and Anahiem just scare the bejezus outta me. 

Edmonton will be our dark horse

LA will be the come back kings but that was too be expected. (I hate that I traded you Landeskog for Bernier)

Philly was able to solve their goal tending issues however can they afford to field a full team of forwards, i think their depth will be their undoing. 

Jets the team formerly known as Calgary will rise out of the ashes of the Gilly era but will still fall short of a playoff berth but I am sure a good showing old chap. 

Toronto will be dead last due to being affiliated with the real Maple leafs. 

[Rob]

Jets the team formerly known as Calgary will rise out of the ashes of the Gilly era but will still fall short of a playoff berth but I am sure a good showing old chap. 

Agreed.  I think the team is in MUCH better shape but doesn't have enough to get in the dance this year.  I'm very happy to see a good GM turning that franchise around. 

[Rob]

One thing is certain: the Central/East division is going to be another bloodbath!

[Rob]

And Central/West will be too.  I'm glad to be in the Northeast!!

[GypsieDeathBringer]

I would like a conference realignment or I will stage a lockout!

My top 5 are the Blues, Avs, Blackhawks, Red Wings and Edmonton/Hurricanes.

The blues are bonkers good and I predict they go undeafeted (while losing a couple games; this is how news is made nowadays couching your headline further in the article).  The Red Wings could be in for a hurting if some of those dual eligibilities fall off when the season starts.  Blackhawks are deep everywhere and the Avs have Evgeni Malkin.  A man so good at hockey people are allowed to recognize him in public in Russia.  The last person that was legally allowed to be recognized in public in Russia was Stalin.

Edmonton has 2 starting goalies and they are either going to score the most goals or have the most players on IR.  My Canes get so much better because their real life counterparts traded for Staal 2.0

[snugerud]

i am surprised you let me have welsh. 

[Drew]

Los Angeles is going to be a much scarier team this year. I will be here the full year and running them full force.

St. Louis has Lundqvist but need their backups to get enough points week in and week out.
Carolina looks good but can their goalies, after Ward, keep them in there as well.

Detroit and Chicago are my picks as they just look solid through their entire line-up, although Detroit paid 6m for Myers this free agency 

[Anthony]

I think LA has a good team. Always have, just didnt have the best ownership. They could win it all.

I just really hope we have a season.