Comments on: Season Predictions: Beasts of the East

By: Pants

Pants — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 19:08:55 +0000

I feel bad about this! I’ve tried to give the Canes my good vibes the last two seasons and they have thrown them back in my face. Intern Jeff Skinner has made more promises this year, I hope he delivers.

By: section328

section328 — Wed, 02 Oct 2013 17:42:23 +0000

No love for the Canes!? Oh, who are we kidding, even we think they’re a bubble team and we’re biased as hell towards them.

By: Lindsay

Lindsay — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 22:18:23 +0000

I miss the old days, when things were simple. One to eight, match ups determined. Now we have to think about the realignment and it ain’t just the top eight anymore.

Now it’s all about your Division – playoffs will really be based on how you rank in the Atlantic or Metropolitan or wherever you’re based. The top three teams in each take up the top 12 spots, and the remaining spots are allocated to “Wild Cards.” Two for each conference, based on the highest-placed finishers, based on regular-season points – doesn’t matter which division you’re in.

This article was very helpful, since I’m allergic to all math besides “half your age plus seven”:
http://www.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2013-03-14/nhl-realignment-plan-2013-new-divisions-playoff-format-schedule-red-wings-east

By: Brenda

Brenda — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 21:46:26 +0000

I love how you two went Bs/Pens and Pens/Bs. My predictions for the East:

1. Bruins – As much as it kills me, they’re mostly unchanged and obnoxiously good. Please let Marchand go on a Desperately Seeking Seguin bender.
2. Senators – Bobby is way better than Alfie and the Sens will want to prove him wrong.
3. Pens – See Bruins comment. Please let Flower wilt.
4. Rangers – They’re #1 in my heart, but probably not in the conference. I want Cally & Hags back ASAP and PLEASE GOD let the preseason not be indicative of what’s to come this season.
5. Blue Jackets – I think this team is only getting started. Bob will be just as good this season.
6. Islanders – See Jackets comment. JT wins the Hart this season.
7. Habs – This is of course contingent on Price, but I love their young kids and they showed last year they can tough it out.
8. Capitals – The team is mostly the same, but I don’t think they’ll get much higher than this because they have way more games against tougher teams this year, so they’ll get fewer easy points.
Sleeper: Lightning – Overall it’s not a lot to look at on paper, but if Stammer & Marty are hot again and their goaltending is better than expected, I think they have a shot at the last playoff spot in the East.