Here are Adam's predictions of what will go down this season. The new Hockeyleaks.com is on it's way, and hopefully with this site, you will get to hear a lot more from our writers, with each getting his/her own blog. If you want to be a part of Hockeyleaks.com, feel free to email me at cjohnson202@hockeyleaks.com. We're always looking for more people to write for us. Anyways, here are Adam's Predictions, feel free to email me with your own, and make sure to email Adam with some feedback.
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EASTERN CONFERENCE
ATLANTIC DIVISION NORTHEAST DIVISION SOUTHEAST DIVISION
Philadelphia Flyers Ottawa Senators Carolina Hurricanes
New Jersey Devils Buffalo Sabres Atlanta Thrashers
New York Rangers Montreal Canadiens Tampa Bay Lightning
Pittsburgh Penguins Toronto Maple Leafs Florida Panthers
New York Islanders Boston Bruins Washington Capitals
PLAYOFF SCENARIO
*1) Ottawa Senators
*2) Philadelphia Flyers
*3) Carolina Hurricanes
4) Buffalo Sabres
5) New Jersey Devils
6) Atlanta Thrashers
7) Montreal Canadiens
8) Tampa Bay Lightning
9) New York Rangers
10) Toronto Maple Leafs
11) Florida Panthers
12) Pittsburgh Penguins
13) New York Islanders
14) Washington Capitals
15) Boston Bruins
WESTERN CONFERENCE
CENTRAL DIVISION NORTHWEST DIVISION PACIFIC DIVISION
Nashville Predators Calgary Flames Anaheim Ducks
Detroit Red Wings Edmonton Oilers San Jose Sharks
St. Louis Blues Minnesota Wild Dallas Stars
Columbus Blue Jackets Vancouver Canucks Phoenix Coyotes
Chicago Blackhawks Colorado Avalanche Los Angeles Kings
PLAYOFF SCENARIO
*1) Calgary Flames
*2) Nashville Predators
*3) Anaheim Ducks
4) San Jose Sharks
5) Detroit Red Wings
6) Edmonton Oilers
7) Dallas Stars
8) Minnesota Wild
9) Vancouver Canucks
10) Colorado Avalanche
11) Phoenix Coyotes
12) St. Louis Blues
13) Los Angeles Kings
14) Columbus Blue Jackets
15) Chicago Blackhawks
HARDWARE HANDOUTS
President's Trophy - Ottawa Senators
With all the right pieces to the puzzle in place, this team could match the Wings output of last year, and actually turn it into a decent, if not stunning playoff run. Other teams to watch, Buffalo Sabres and the Nashville Predators. Yes, I did indeed say the Nashville Predators
Art Ross - Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh
With a greater support cast surrounding him, I feel that this year is going to be a year that Sid the Kid breaks out and has his first 50 goal season, and takes the scoring title on the last weekend of action, slightly beating out a close 2nd and 3rd of Joe Thornton and Alexander Ovechkin.
Hart - Mikka Kiprusoff, Calgary
In leading the scoring deprived Flames to their first place finish among Western competition, Kiprusoff will tear away the competition during the 2nd half of the season where he will no doubt display his worth to the surging Calgary Flames. A near second and third place finish will be Crosby and Ovechkin respectively.
"Rocket" Richard - Alexander Ovechkin, Washington
Call me crazy, call me a follower, but who else is going to score goals on the Caps? I mean, the guy is going to continue to account for 50% + of the Washington offence, until a proper support group is put in place. Until then, the kid is going to go nuts, and only the sky is the limit on his full out potential. Red light regulars, Ilya Kovalchuk and Jarome Iginla will trail Ovechkin and his 60+ goal season for runners-up.
Norris - Chris Pronger, Anaheim
A change of scenery, and large group of hecklers from Edmonton, will indeed encourage a swift and magical season for Pronger and the Ducks as a whole. Feeding off of the energy, and chemistry of co-Canadian Olympic teammate Scott Niedermayer, Pronger will play strong defence, and put up the type of offensive numbers that will challenge the league leaders among rearguards. This year may mark a rarity in having teammates being nominated for the same trophy as the aforementioned Niedermayer and the Red Wings' Norris regular Nicklas Lidstrom will also be in the running.
Vezina - Mikka Kiprusoff, Calgary
See above for clarity, as Kipper will have a 40+ win, 9-12 shutout 'tender this year. Tomas Vokoun and Martin Gerber will also be in the running, but the Flames backstop should win this award in a romp.
Calder - Wojtek Wolski, Colorado
Alright, alright. Malkin is going to be incredible, and he will more than likely win. However, I'm going to go out on a limb and realize that this is indeed a re-build type season for the Avs, and Wolski is going to get every opportunity to play important minutes, and play with Sakic. Wolski has the talent and ability to put up some great rookie numbers. Should be a great race. Evgeni Malkin and Gilbert Brule will come up just short in the Calder rankings, but will be another great year for first year stars.
Jack Adams - Barry Trotz, Nashville
Trotz will finally get some respect for leading a very solid Nashville Predators team to their first divisional title, overtaking the annual powerhouse Red Wings. With great goaltending, steady offense, and a great corps of defence, the Preds are going to surprise many and officially join the NHL's regular season "Penthouse" teams. Two other top competitors for the honour will be Jim Playfair from Calgary and Lindy Ruff of Buffalo.
Stanley Cup Match-Up - EAST Buffalo Sabres vs. WEST Calgary Flames
This will be the year that the Stanley Cup finally, FINALLY makes its way back across to Canada! A new age "Sea of Red" will flow over the Province of Alberta, as the team has all the pieces to make a long run. Rookie coach Jim Playfair will be directing a re-vamped offence, a strong defensive unit, and will rely heavily on the stellar play of the Kipper in net, which in my eyes is a recipe that will certainly soothe the pain from their loss in the Cup finals two short seasons ago. The Sabres will come close, losing in 6 games, but the better team will win in this case.
Agree? Disagree? Only time will tell…
Adam Forsyth
aforsyth21@hotmail.com
