2008-09 NHL Season Predictions

The beginning of the 2008-09 NHL regular season is about a month away with training camps to begin in the next couple of weeks. Here are my predictions for the new season. I know its early to predicting this kind of stuff, especially since some teams' rosters may change in the coming month through trades, free agent signings, and rookie signings. I will continue to update my predicted standings until October 1 as roster moves take place. Over the next month, I also plan to add my analysis of the standings by looking at each team individually and critiquing their strengths and weaknesses. Below are my predicted standings and how each team will place in their respected conferences.




EASTERN CONFERENCE
ATLANTIC DIVISION

New York Rangers
New Jersey Devils
Pittsburgh Penguins
Philadelphia Flyers
New York Islanders

NORTHEAST DIVISION

Montreal Canadiens
Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres
Ottawa Senators
Toronto Maple Leafs

SOUTHEAST DIVISION

Washington Capitals
Carolina Hurricanes
Tampa Bay Lightning
Florida Panthers
Atlanta Thrashers

WESTERN CONFERENCE
CENTRAL DIVISION

Detroit Red Wings
Chicago Blackhawks
Nashville Predators
Columbus Blue Jackets
St. Louis Blues

NORTHWEST DIVISION

Calgary Flames
Colorado Avalanche
Edmonton Oilers
Minnesota Wild
Vancouver Canucks

PACIFIC DIVISION

San Jose Sharks
Dallas Stars
Anaheim Ducks
Phoenix Coyotes
Los Angeles Kings

EASTERN CONFERENCE
1. Montreal Canadiens
2. New York Rangers
3. Washington Capitals
4. New Jersey Devils
5. Pittsburgh Penguins
6. Boston Bruins
7. Carolina Hurricanes
8. Philadelphia Flyers
9. Tampa Bay Lightning
10. Buffalo Sabres
11. Florida Panthers
12. Ottawa Senators
13. New York Islanders
14. Toronto Maple Leafs
15. Atlanta Thrashers

WESTERN CONFERENCE
1. Detroit Red Wings
2. San Jose Sharks
3. Calgary Flames
4. Dallas Stars
5. Anaheim Ducks
6. Colorado Avalanche
7. Edmonton Oilers
8. Chicago Blackhawks
9. Minnesota Wild
10. Nashville Predators
11. Phoenix Coyotes
12. Columbus Blue Jackets
13. Vancouver Canucks
14. St. Louis Blues
15. Los Angeles Kings