So there's about 30 games left in the season, let's look back and see how close our predictions were, shall we?
East
1. Boston Bruins (P)
2. Philadelphia Flyers
3. Carolina Hurricanes
4. Pittsburgh Penguins
5. Washington Capitals
6. New Jersey Devils
7. New York Rangers
8. Buffalo Sabres
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9. Florida Panthers
10. Montreal Canadiens
11. Tampa Bay Lightning
12. Toronto Maple Leafs
13. Atlanta Thrashers
14. New York Islanders
15. Ottawa Senators
I think that its going to be crowded at the bottom this year. Every team from 7-12 will probably be close to a playoff spot. I think Tampa and Florida could both surprise.
Way off in the East; all the top three teams might not even make it into the playoffs! Damn good prediction on Pittsburgh, though. Clearly I didn't give New Jersey or Washington enough credit; though that was less of a statement on the quality of their teams and more "I just plane thought other teams would be better". On top of that, turns out Buffalo was a big surprise.
Out of the playoffs, I notice three things. I did not expect Florida, New York, or (especially) Ottawa - bit me in the ass, though I predicted Florida could surprise. I was right that it was going to be crowded; spots 6-13 are all seperated at the moment by a game or two. I gave Toronto way too much credit.
West
1. San Jose Sharks
2. Vancouver Canucks
3. Chicago Blackhawks
4. Detroit Red Wings
5. Calgary Flames
6. Columbus Blue Jackets
7. Los Angeles Kings
8. St. Louis Blues
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9. Dallas Stars
10. Anaheim Ducks
11. Nashville Predators
12. Minnesota Wild
13. Phoenix Coyotes
14. Edmonton Oilers
15. Colorado Avalanche
In the West, its going to be crowded again. I expect Calgary to come out strong, but fall apart at the end of the season, so Columbus could jump them.
Looking at the top three, I think that was a good prediction; all three teams have the chance to be in the top three at the end of the season. I was right about the Flames falling apart, but it appears I expected too much from Detroit, Columbus and St. Louis. The Kings are better then I thought they'd be, but due to other teams the standings doesn't really reflect that.
Outside the playoffs, I notice right off that I was wrong about Nashville, Phoenix and Colorado. Colorado has a chance to win the Northwest, and Nashville and Phoenix could possibly round out the top five teams in the West.
For the Cup, I'm going with Vancouver versus Philly. If there are Cinderella teams this year, they are going to be L.A. in the West and Buffalo in the East.
Well, I still think Vancouver could go all the way, but Philly? Not a chance. Both Los Angeles and Buffalo are more than Cinderella teams at this point, in my opinion - if they make the playoffs both should be expected to contend. For Buffalo, the fact that the East is so even talent wise is a good sign for them (and every playoff team in the East). Any team that makes the playoffs has a chance to win the Conference.
If I had to update my predictions, I'd say a San Jose/Chicago Vs. Washington final.