BY: KEVIN BOGDAN
In early January, I predicted which teams would make the playoffs in each newly realigned division. Looking back on that blog is making me question my entire knowledge of the sport of hockey.
North Division
Predictions: Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal.
Reality: Toronto, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montreal.
Three out of four isn’t horrible. Calgary was in the playoff race heading into the final stretch of the season, and I did not expect Winnipeg to have the season that they did. Toronto is an absolute wagon this season and has its best opportunity to make a deep playoff run with this division they must go through.
East Division
Predictions: Washington, Boston, Philadelphia, Buffalo (yikes).
Reality: Pittsburgh, Washington, Boston, NY Islanders.
Two out of four on predictions, along with quite possibly the worst prediction of all time. I believe I was trying to be optimistic, thinking the Sabres would make the playoffs. As it turned out, I was completely delusional. The Flyers pick was another bad take but more understandable than the Sabres pick.
Central Division
Predictions: Tampa Bay, Nashville, Florida, Carolina.
Reality: Carolina, Florida, Tampa Bay, Nashville.
I went 100 percent on the team predictions, just a little out of order. Carolina looks unbelievable this season, and Florida could give Tampa Bay some trouble in the first round. The Battle of Florida may take over the Battle of Alberta as the best rivalry in the NHL. These two teams despise each other, and it is so much fun to watch. This is exactly what the NHL needs to happen to grow the game down in the Sunshine State.
West Division
Predictions: Colorado, Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas.
Reality: Vegas, Colorado, Minnesota, St. Louis.
I wrote my original predictions blog before the divisions were officially set in stone which led to predicting the Stars to make the playoffs in the wrong division. Nonetheless, I ended up getting three out of the four teams correct, so I’ll take it. Vegas and Colorado seem like the obvious favorites going into the playoffs. However, Minnesota is sneaky and can shock some teams, and we should not sleep on St. Louis. We all know what the Blues can do if they get hot so that they won’t be a cakewalk in the playoffs.
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