The 2018-19 NHL season starts for eight teams Wednesday, then the Blackhawks get things started against the lowly Senators on Thursday in Ottawa.
But because we’re suitable people who are alright with the hockey world saying “Ha Ha” like Nelson from “The Simpsons” when we are wrong, we’ll also post our standings and Stanley Cup predictions. As each year passes it seems like there’s less and less of a gap between teams.
There are several teams that can be viewed as locks for the playoffs though and a few that are destined for the dumpster. Where the Blackhawks fit in that discussion is unknown with Corey Crawford’s health and bounce back seasons from Brandon Saad and Jonathan Toews playing a huge part in it.
Central
Brad: Jets, Predators, Avalanche
Brandon: Jets, Predators, Blues
Dave: Jets, Predators, Blues
Nick: Predators, Jets, Blues
Pacific
Brad: Sharks, Golden Knights, Ducks
Brandon: Sharks, Golden Knights, Ducks
Dave: Sharks, Golden Knights, Kings
Nick: Sharks, Ducks, Golden Knights
Western Conference wild card picks
Brad: Blues, Kings
Brandon: Flames, Kings
Dave: Avalanche, Blackhawks
Nick: Flames, Blackhawks
Atlantic
Brad: Maple Leafs, Lightning, Bruins
Brandon: Lightning, Maple Leafs, Panthers
Dave: Lightning, Maple Leafs, Bruins
Nick: Maple Leafs, Lightning, Bruins
Metropolitan
Brad: Penguins, Blue Jackets, Capitals
Brandon: Penguins, Capitals, Blue Jackets
Dave: Capitals, Penguins, Blue Jackets
Nick: Penguins, Blue Jackets, Capitals
Eastern Conference wild card picks
Brad: Flyers, Panthers
Brandon: Bruins, Flyers
Dave: Panthers, Flyers
Nick: Panthers, Devils
Stanley Cup Final
Brad: Maple Leafs over Jets
Brandon: Jets over Lightning
Dave: Sharks over Lightning
Nick: Maple Leafs over Sharks