Boston Bruins: Predictions for the 2017-2018 NHL season

BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 12: Matt Beleksey
BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 12: Matt Beleksey
4 of 6

Pacific Division

Boston Bruins
ANAHEIM, CA – APRIL 28: Connor McDavid
  1. Edmonton Oilers
  2. Anaheim Ducks
  3. Calgary Flames
  4. San Jose Sharks
  5. Arizona Coyotes
  6. Los Angeles Kings
  7. Vegas Golden Knights
  8. Vancouver Canucks

The Edmonton Oilers appear set to rule the Pacific Division for the next 8 to 10 seasons.  The dynamic duo of reigning Art Ross, Hart, and Ted Lindsay trophy winner Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are a sight to see.  The Oilers have the perfect combination of youth, speed, and experience that will allow them to take the division crown, maybe even the President’s Trophy.

Do I really think that the expansion Vegas Golden Knights will finish above the Vancouver Canucks?  Yes.  This is not because I think that Vegas is all that good, but I think the Canucks are that bad.  Their wagon is still hitched to Henrik and Daniel Sedin, whose production has slowly declined.  And young gun Bo Horvat has not yet broken out.

Edmonton, Anaheim (after not winning the division for the first time since  ’11-’12), and Calgary end up in the playoff picture.