The 2017-18 season has not been good to preseason prognosticators. No one saw the Vegas Golden Knights going from expansion to excellence, and few could predict the disappointing seasons in Edmonton, Ottawa and Montreal. Many even had the Oilers as a Western Conference favorite before the season began, thanks in large part (or entirely) to Connor McDavid’s ascent to the top of the league.
Now, as we head into the last few weeks of the regular season, it’s becoming clear who will finish the year at the very bottom. Amazingly, the Colorado Avalanche are not among the worst teams in the league despite having a historically-bad season in 2016-17. That bounce back is exactly what every non-playoff club will attempt next season, hoping that a few tweaks and some natural progression will get them right back into the hunt.
Of those teams already considered out of the running, which one is most likely to make the playoffs next season? Is it Edmonton, thanks once again to McDavid’s skill? Or a team like Vancouver who have their own young talents to build around? Will success ever come to Arizona or Buffalo?
Vote below, and make sure to list your reasons in the comments.
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Blackhawks way to much talent not to be in the hunt.
Anyone who thinks Edmonton is WRONG. This is coming from an Oilers fan. There are so many holes on that team. Half of roster is AHL players. They are atleast 3-4 big moves away from contenders
Chicago. Corey Crawford. End of poll.
I was going to vote for the Rangers but I’m really biased.
Everyone is quick to jump on the Blackhawks, but Crawford had been out for much of the year. The two goalies that replaced him have been absolutely ATROCIOUS. It would be a much different year if he was in net for most of the games.
Blackhawks out of that group. The Canucks, Senators, Sabres, Coyotes, and Red Wings should all be rebuilding/are currently rebuilding. Oilers need a lot of work but if Talbot can return to his 2016-17 form, they should be a lot better. Canadiens probably should rebuild, but can’t really do that with Weber and Price still on the books. Their only shot is if Price starts playing like MVP-Price because I don’t think their team is skilled or deep enough yet to make enough noise
The only noise coming out of Montreal is a sucking sound made possible by the inept GM. No hope for a rebound here.
Hawks will be in decent shape if they can find a taker for a couple of those long term contracts they’re saddled with. Defense core is soft.
Are the blues out of the discussion?