NHL Pacific Division: Daring Predictions For Each Team
By Len Nunes
Jan 15, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; General view of the Honda Center scoreboard in the third period. The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Vancouver Canucks 9-1. The Ducks nine goals set a franchise record. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Anaheim Ducks: For the second time in Corey Perry‘s career he will score 50 goals in a season. Perry will be the only NHL’er to crack 50 goals in 2014-15.
Arizona Coyotes: The Coyotes start the regular season with 4 home games: Winnipeg, Los Angeles, Edmonton, St. Louis. The Coyotes will go 0’fer the home stand. A charity point from an overtime loss somewhere in there but no wins.
Calgary Flames: Will finish 5th in Pacific Division. Let them all predict Calgary finishing in the bottom two of the NHL, this is why we play the games!
Edmonton Oilers: Jordan Eberle trade rumours ran rampant last season nearing the NHL trade deadline. The trigger on the Jordan Eberle trade will be pulled soon after the calendar turns to 2015.
Los Angeles Kings: Anze Kopitar recently was on the LA regional cover of Sports Illustrated magazine. I consider this unlucky for Mr. Kopitar. I predict for the 1st time in Kopitar’s career a full season goal total under 20. Despite his struggles, the Kings will still win the Pacific Division.
San Jose Sharks: Last season the San Jose Sharks had 9 overtime losses to their credit. With all the discombobulating being done during the preseason with the captaincy of the team, I figure the translation will be the Sharks leading the league in overtime losses with 19 (Joe Thornton‘s number).
Vancouver Canucks: Will start the season with a loss to the Calgary Flames then catch fire. The Canucks will lead the Pacific Division leading into Christmas.
Feel free to play along with your daring predictions in the comment section below.