Looking Into the NHL Crystal Ball: 2011-12 Season Predictions

By Robyn Flynn, AllHabs.net

MONTREAL, QC. — Every year, analysts make predictions about how the season will go. What can’t be predicted are teams that inexplicably get hot at precisely the right moment, rookies with high expectations who under-produce. What can’t be predicted are injuries, suspensions, scoring droughts, … The list goes on making the task of prognosticating extremely difficult.

However, I decided to give it a go anyway.  Here’s how I think the 2011-12 season will play out…

…And here’s why:

Atlantic Division:

Sidney Crosby’s eventual return to the game will lift the city of Pittsburgh right up onto cloud nine. The Rangers acquisition of Brad Richards, the recent demotion of Sean Avery and Lundqvist’s stellar performance between the pipes will make it a tight race for the division bragging rights. Paul Holmgren’s questionable off-season moves (see Bryzgalov contract) and the change in leadership make the Flyers major loose cannons this year. And, rounding out the division are the Devils and Islanders.

Northeast Division:

I really tried not to let my homer-ism affect this decision, but I truly feel the undervalued Habs will make off with the division title. The return of Max Pacioretty, Josh Gorges and Andrei Markov along with the Erik Cole signing and it being contract years for both PK Subban and Carey Price should light some rocket fuel under their back ends. The Sabres made some major changes and improvements this summer, which not only propels them ahead of the hung-over Bruins, but makes them my Eastern Conference pick for the Stanley Cup finals. And, despite what Torontonians seem to believe, the Leafs will NOT make the playoffs, for the eighth year in a row. Ottawa won’t be far behind (sorry Sens fans).

Southeast Division:

After Ovechkin’s career worst 32-goal season, and consecutive playoff upsets, the Caps will be looking to rebound big time. Tampa will make it a close race, and while the Jets will be soaring from the explosive energy in Winnipeg, they’ll finish behind the Hurricanes, with only the Panthers on their heels (who, by the way, made some very interesting moves this summer as well, in Jovanovski, Theodore & Upshall. Florida are my official “Wild Card” selection for the season).

Central Division:

Expect big things from the man who hails from my hometown of Chateauguay, Quebec; none other than Corey Crawford. My fantasy hockey goaltending pick signed a “big league” contract this summer after a fantastic season that was cut short by the conference champion Vancouver Canucks. I expect the Red Wings not to be too far behind them, and the Preds will do well enough to make another conference semi-finals appearance. At the bottom of the list, the Blues and Blue Jackets. Former Habs players, Halak and Wisniewski, won’t be able to help their respective teams make post season runs this year.

Northwest Division:

Vancouver Canucks. Bobby Loo will be looking to prove himself in a big way this year, after the heartbreaking game seven loss to the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup finals. Minnesota acquisitions such as Heatley and Setoguchi have propelled them ahead of the Flames, and the young talent in Edmonton will catapult them out of the bottom position, ceding it to the Avalanche.

Pacific Division:

The LA Kings are my pick for the Western Conference representatives in the Stanley Cup finals. Drew Doughty, Anze Kopitar and company will be a force to be reckoned with in the west. Second and third will be a close decision between the Ducks and Sharks, and the Stars will be stuck at the bottom of the pyramid yet again, with the Coyotes on their backs.

Do you disagree with my picks? Let me know by commenting or emailing me at robyn@allhabs.net. You can also follow me on Twitter @ladyhabs.

Happy hockey-ing, everyone!

Photo Credits: CTV, Chicago Now, ESPN