We’ve finally reached the end of the offseason and things kick off tonight in the NHL. The regular season begins in Toronto with a matchup between the Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators, while the St. Louis Blues will hang their banner against the 2018 champion Washington Capitals. The excitement for the upcoming season is palpable, with even the most minor transactions generating plenty of interest among hockey fans.
With that in mind we’ve been asking you, the PHR reader, to give us your thoughts on the upcoming season. We started with the Atlantic Division, which seemed an easy choice for a good chunk of our community. The Tampa Bay Lightning ran away with the poll, earning a whopping 46% of all votes. Next was the Metropolitan Division, which wasn’t quite as lopsided. The Washington Capitals were picked by 31% of the voters to take home their fifth consecutive division title, but the Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes and New York Islanders all got at least 10%.
The closest so far though goes to the Central Division, which is almost a dead heat between the Blues and Colorado Avalanche. Five teams received at least 10% of the vote, with only the Winnipeg Jets and Minnesota Wild falling below that threshold. The Central looks like it will be a meat grinder right to the end, but the reigning Stanley Cup champions are at least slightly ahead right now.
Lastly we’ll look at the Pacific Division, which was filled with disappointment in 2018-19. Just three Western Conference playoff spots came out of the group, with the other five teams all recording 86 or fewer points in the regular season. This time around things might be different, but will the upstart Arizona Coyotes, Connor McDavid-led Edmonton Oilers or rebuilt Vancouver Canucks really be able to challenge for the top spot? Cast your vote below and explain how you think the season will play out!
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Sharks!!!!! If Kane stays out of trouble and plays Hockey!
As you very well know, that’s a mighty *big* IF! Plus, there will be the “missing Pavelski factor”, as well. How will they handle that? Personally, I’m leaning towards VGK, as they will have Mark Stone for the entire season (knock wood).
Sorry, Vegas has a bunch of thugs and cheap shot artists on its team and there coach is the reason why they play that way.
The Sharks have to play solid hockey all season long with no major injuries. Kane & Karlison need to pick up there offensive game big time.
Must be a Baltimore Orioles fan has to talk about a hockey team , has nothing else to complain about in his team. This is the greatest sport going into face off of new season very shortly…..
“Their” coach, Turk, was not a finesse player in his day. He likes rough-and-tumble, “hard to play against” hockey. Other coaches do, as well, but they might not have the horses to do it. While it isn’t accurate to say that *every* team has one or two guys that play on and sometimes over the edge, generally speaking, a team that does succeed in being “had to play against”, either fares very well, or ends up near the top of the draft lottery in June. So, you may not like the way Vegas plays, but if it is deemed successful by the organization, they will continue to do it, until it stops working.
errata: “hard to play against” (2nd)
damn cataracts & floaters!
Hey, I’m an orioles fan and live in Vegas and I’m a big fan of the Knights.
While I had disowned baseball several years ago, myself, apparently you poor O’s fans really need some commiseration. Gary was on with the OverDrive boys recently talking about having to broadcast the games this year. I love that guy and really miss him doing NHL games on the national stage.
Vegas Baby! Mac, I’m with you on this one. Stastny, Stone, Theodore , Fleury, and the grit and ferocity of Reave will propel them on Cup run in 3rd Season of existence in league. Go Hawks!
Reaves, sorry for brain fart. heat index of 102 here in south is affecting me.
That’s right! Reaves, with the “s”! At times he plays like there is two of him out there! The Tom Wilson of the Wild, Wild West!
A lot of optimistic Kings fans.
Which one? :)
They went from 98 points 2 seasons ago to a complete collapse last year. I think they fall somewhere in the middle of those seasons. New coach, system and focus this year.
I don’t think they’ll win the division, but I hope the young Yotes finally take the step forward and make the playoffs.
Very possible – do not sleep on the “Phil-The-Thrill” factor and his relationship with his Coach. He kind of enjoys playing with that chip on his shoulder. Netminding health might be critical for them, though.