The start of fall marks the beginning of a new season filled with cool, crisp weather, the celebration of holiday breaks, and perhaps most importantly, the start of hockey season. With the anticipation for the new season mounting (#isitoctoberyet), many fans are speculating about what the new season will bring and how their favorite teams will fare this season. In a similar fashion, I bring you my playoff predictions for the upcoming season: four prospective teams that missed last season's playoffs but are worth watching this time around.
Columbus Blue Jackets - Missed last season's playoffs by 9 pts.
Key changes:
Gained Brandon Saad, Gregory Campbell
Lost: Mark Letestu
Why they didn't make it last season:
The Blue Jackets suffered a lot of injuries and it had a serious impact on their season, especially during the first half. Although they had one of the best second halves of the season last year, the vast amount of injuries in the first half cost them the playoffs.
Why you should watch them this time around:
First, they gained Brandon Saad, forward, who has two previous cup wins under his belt as well as having a great 2014-2015 season. If they can carry over last season's momentum in this year, barring any injuries, there is a real possibility they could go far.
Prediction:
2nd or 3rd in the Metropolitan.
Florida Panthers - missed the playoffs by 8 pts.
Key changes:
Gained: Jaromir Jagr, Reilly Smith
Lost: Brad Boyes, Jimmy Hayes
Why they didn't make it last season:
It's important to note that the Panthers didn't play with Jagr for a full season; they acquired him at the trade deadline last year. In addition, a roster (mostly) filled with inexperienced players, injuries and no real backup goalie didn't exactly set the Panthers up for success.
Why you should watch them this season:
A full season with Jagr on the first line with Huberdeau and Barkov, the league's most dominant line in the last twenty games of last season, should take the team further this season. In addition, Calder trophy winner Aaron Ekblad, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Nick Bjugstad are predicted to have breakout seasons this year. Plus, be on the lookout for somewhat inexperienced players like Pirri and Trocheck to stand out this season.
Prediction:
Finish in a wildcard spot.
Dallas Stars - missed the playoffs by 5 pts.
Key changes:
Gained: Johnny Oduya, Antti Niemi, Patrick Sharp
Lost: Trevor Daley, Antoine Roussel
Why they didn't make it last season:
Although the Stars had the second highest scoring offense in the league last season, their defense and their goaltending were subpar, and this cost them their playoff spot.
Why you should watch them this time around:
New player Patrick Sharp will be a helpful addition to their offense. Hopefully the Stars defense will be heavily influenced by veteran defenseman Oduya, making their defense sounder. Plus, competition between starting goalie Lehtonen and Antti Niemi should increase goalie performance.
Prediction:
Finish in a wildcard spot.
Los Angeles Kings - missed the playoffs by 2 pts.
Key changes:
Gained: Christian Ehrhoff, Milan Lucic, and Jhonas Enroth
Lost: Mike Richards, Jarrett Stoll
Why they didn't make it last season:
Last season, players that the Kings needed to rely on to get to the playoffs greatly underperformed. The team seemed to lack passion; they just didn't seem to want it. The Kings lost to the second worst team in the league with three games remaining, and then lost to a team they could have passed in the standings (that didn't make the playoffs the previous season).
Why you should watch them this time around:
The Kings have new players that should give the team an edge this season. Hopefully, forward Milan Lucic will be a catalyst for the team's offense. Also, players like captain Dustin Brown could return to their 2014 (cup-winning) form. Plus, the team is a proven winner–The Kings have won the cup twice in the last four years.
Prediction:
Finish 2nd or 3rd in the pacific division.
For more information on this season visit: http://www.nhl.com & #isitoctoberyet ?
