This Season is Tough to Predict

Okay, I didn't actually predict who would or wouldn't make the playoffs during the season previews, so I make myself predict that very thing in this video.
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[@whoshotashleybabbitt4924]

Toronto Edmonton final? THG is getting a new whiteboard, 3 cat trees and rabbit proof cable connections.

[@autodbcs2667]

No, NJ and Dallas in final. He has Toronto losing to NJ, and Edmonton losing to Dallas in conference finals. He just doesn't have enough magnets to show teams twice.

[@camshepherd5951]

@@autodbcs2667somebody didn’t understand the comment

[@TheGreyCrayon]

⁠@@autodbcs2667THG clearly said that IF those two teams made it to the final, that his video’s view counts would be “absolutely bonkers”. As he has both in the conference final. The comment above, is making a joke on if that were to happen, THG would have a sudden influx of revenue generated on his channel, where he’d be able to splurge. Hope that cleared it up.

[@firefly8471]

New jersey vs seattle in finals I predict 😊

[@moomax8649]

@@autodbcs2667woosh

[@babyyoda6549]

The parity in the NHL is insane, there hasn’t been a time that I can remember where there’s been so much talent at one time

[@hhazze]

This season will be amazing with the wild card race! Both conferences have so many teams pushing for those spots.

[@Andrew8468]

I'm sure Rogers would love a Toronto/Edmonton SC final

[@giantessmaria]

thanks, good stuff... league is certainly seeing more parity for sure! Always fun to do the pre season analysis and forecasts and then watch how the unexpected things happen to change things...like a hot goalie emerging or a devastating injury which a major contender incurs, which they cannot overcome. Thats why i think Carolina's season last year was so impressive. They did what they did without arguably their best player at the end, in Svechnikov... he seams to be about ready to play now so that should make them doubly tough.... Solid and disciplined team all around, so i think them and Jersey should be the cream of the crop.... The west could actually see a sleeper like the Kings i think...I think they are underrated and just need some consistent goal tending to go with that potent offense... thanks again my friend, great stuff as always!

[@justinsherry8215]

Can’t wait for the power rankings!

[@michaelgnit8476]

I'm in no position to name a team of two that will be train wrecks but this season is shaping up for just such a scenario. An injury or two to a thin team could spell disaster.

[@SpunkyGo0se]

Definitely don’t name the team you’re talking about…

[@michaelgnit8476]

@@SpunkyGo0se I honestly don't know but if I was to guess Pittsburg, Washington and Columbus are teams that sit on the bubble in terms of playoff possibilities or oblivion. And there are others but we'll see that's what the season is for.

[@GG-ng6zm]

@@michaelgnit8476 calgary will probably have a similar season and then go into a rebuild eventually

[@michaelgnit8476]

@@GG-ng6zm Certainly is possible.

[@Supermack20]

Oilers?!?

[@SamxHardscoperx]

I enjoyed watching a good bit of the Kraken this year but I watched a hell of a lot of the playoff games so I’m very excited for this season and to be keeping up with a whole lot of teams. Some people think Seattle could regress and I can’t speak confidently on that. I think they can make the playoffs again but I’m not sure I could see them making it to the Finals.

[@jwt6577]

Toronto is still built more to sell jerseys and season tickets than win in the playoffs.

[@whoshotashleybabbitt4924]

😂 hot take. I love it!

[@simon-pierrelussier2775]

@@whoshotashleybabbitt4924 It's the same core that sold jerseys and season tickets and didn't win in the playoffs (except that 1 series) for the last 5 years. That's the exact opposite of a hot take.

[@pierresoorden5975]

Toronto should have lost to Tampa Bay last year

[@shoegeek1514]

ain’t no way Tampa is losing to the leafs 2 years in a row it ain’t happening

[@jwt6577]

​@@shoegeek1514It'll be fine. Pittsburgh can ruin Dangle's spring this season.

[@barat5943]

Like your analysis. I had to turn my hockey draft sheet into work Friday, Hope to compare to your picks I selected three nj players

[@Haildestroya]

Happy thanksgiving weekend Shannon and Fam!🙂

[@MethodMan10304]

Thanks for the great primer video, Shannon

[@thenextgreat8652]

My only prediction is that it’s as wide open as it has been in a long time this season in both conferences. Excited to get this thing going!

[@wpaoff-road]

0:18 - Cup Prediction (NJ over Dallas) 1:05 - Lottery Picks (Anaheim, Chicago, Montreal, Philadelphia, San Jose) 2:28 - Conference Finalist (Toronto, Edmonton) 3:56 - Playoffs (Carolina, NYR, Boston, Tampa, Florida, Buffalo, Vegas, LA, Colorado, Minnesota, Seattle, Calgary) 6:26 - Close but no playoffs (Detroit, Ottawa, Pittsburgh, Washington, NYI, Columbus, St. Louis, Nashville, Arizona, Vancouver, Winnipeg) 11:22 - Teams above playoff line that are vulnerable (Boston, Tampa, Buffalo, Minnesota, Seattle, Calgary) 12:45 - Teams that could make the playoffs (Detroit, Ottawa, Pittsburgh, Washington, Islanders, Nashville, Vancouver, Winnipeg) 15:03 - Don't forget to hit like and subscribe 👍

[@misterfingerguns]

Can’t wait to follow along with you, Shannon

[@bluberguy]

Vancouver takes it all (I was dropped as a baby)

[@chrisguard696]

I would love for Lindy Ruff to finally get a cup

[@bartsanders1553]

I will have to demand that New Jersey chant "sorry, Lindy" if they do.

[@GregAllenF1]

Not to sound dramatic, but I would legit stop watching hockey if NJ wins again. Made a promise to myself about that back in 2012. I

[@bartsanders1553]

@@GregAllenF1 Aw dude, no! I hope you were mad when you said it. Take the angry mulligan!

[@GregAllenF1]

@@bartsanders1553 haha. Yeah, I mean, not all, but a lot of Devils fans were straight nasty to a personal level in 2012. They got personal with attacks and these were people I considered good friends up until that point. Took shots at my family, my girlfriend, etc all over a game. I will never forget or forgive that. As a Rangers fan, I have never made a personal attack or continued to banter with any fan of another team that was hurting over a loss. I’ve also never been treated so poorly by any other fan base. Many Devils fans really were lower than low that year. They also all disappeared when the team was down. After all the years of disappointment as a Rangers fan, I really would not have an interest in NHL hockey if NJ wins a cup again before NY does. It’s just not worth the energy as you get older. Also, I’m a big believer in being a man of my word. I made they deal back in 2012 and intent to stick to it should it happen. The second part of that deal is I would start watching again if the Rangers won a cup. So there is still a pathway back even if NJ wins one again. I’m just hoping NJ doesn’t get any where near the finals. Go Canes! Lol

[@noroxus]

​@@GregAllenF1as a Devils fan, we don't claim them. They don't sound much like fans at all. They sound like they hated you more than they were rooting for the team. Only BS bandwagon fans drop off like that. Dont let people like that dictate your life.

[@squiggleface3631]

This season is so wide open. The cap has created wide open scenarios for reaching the Stanley Cup. It will be an exciting year of hockey. Great analysis and overview of what might happen.

[@Daeis138]

Good to see you choosing NJ. Been a lifelong Devils fan, and it feels good to see them getting back to greatness again. LETS GO DEVILS!!!!!!!

[@domcagney2352]

I’m a Hawks fan and I tune in to Devils games whenever I can. They’re must watch imo. Hughes reminds me of prime Patrick Kane…I could see them going all the way

[@kvery1932]

Canes gonna whoop ass this season

[@davidschlichting5203]

ouch

[@EinSofQuester]

LOL. You still think so?

[@Daeis138]

@@EinSofQuester absolutely not. It's been a train wreck of a year.

[@jaygosev3589]

Hockey Guy! Hell yah. Good to hear ya, bro. Wild fan here. Love your content

[@SmugCanadian]

My picks are Carolina vs Edmonton in the cup final with Edmonton winning it but I'm biased.

[@keithck3720]

If Campbell has a bounceback year and Skinner continues to improve, I can definitely see that happening. Campbell is a super nice guy and capable of being a very good goalie but has confidence issues. He did improve last season as it went on so I can chalk it up to him being nervous about being the 1A and a big contract.

[@WinterWoolies]

Not if Bettman can help it.

[@JC051210]

With Bruce Cassidy behind the bench , VGK is gonna continue to be a really solid contender. Health will be the number 1 factor as always on whether or not they can make a run or not. I think the biggest threat from the West is going to be Colorado. Georgiev is an absolute monster in net and the Avs being healthy is scary. Go Knights Go!

[@Bouncer-id1rh]

Kings fan. I watched both games against my Kings & Avs, and when Vegas played their regulars largely the 2nd half of both of those games, they reminded me why they won the cup. Maybe Vegas doesn't have more talent than the Kings or Oil, but they have a group now that just knows how to win.

[@milktrain5567]

I do agree. Cassidy seems to be the key.

[@stevencooke6451]

Definitely good enough to repeat.

[@brythkaltaris]

Ugggh i hate that Vegas won under Cassidy. I'm a Bruins fan, so that should explain why

[@dorksn]

I have the same SCup finals but I think Stars will do it. But boy oh boy Jersey is gonna be scary for next 10+ years.

[@garymauk2963]

Great video as always!

[@DanielNYR]

Man I sure wish our prospects developed as well as the Devils have

[@johnhendrickson1806]

We’ve never developed prospects. We waste so much talent. I think breakouts from the kids are still in the picture but it’s been a real slow start especially for Laffy. Hype can be a bitch

[@user-dl3uo3we2z]

Cool video would be 32 teams , which teams are deep at forwards, defence ,goaltending With parity comes great reliance on depth

[@cdfmmcc]

My prediction will be wrong. End of story

[@tuukkapaivinen36]

Been here since 2019, keep it going THG!

[@robertparker6280]

Hey thanks for having that much faith in the 'Yotes! I have a feeling they are going to really good this year. I'm not hoping for a Playoffs, but if they make it, that would be great!

[@30AndHatingIt]

Y’all have been through hell and deserve some success. From a Sabres fan btw.

[@vaquitadaplug]

relatable, I am a Sens fan btw 😂

[@robertparker6280]

@@30AndHatingIt Yes, yes we have and thanks. I really hope they get the move to Mesa, that's the next spot they are looking at.

[@robertparker6280]

@@vaquitadaplug Thanks, hey there is some hope for your team this year too.

[@patch8376]

I could actually see this being the year a (if they're healthy enough) Carolina finally breaks through. They've been in top 8 to top 4 playoffs mix for a little while now, not every single recent year but for several recent seasons more often than not, similar in trajectory to Tampa, Colorado, and Vegas.

[@jonesy7425]

Where did you get those cool magnets? I enjoyed the video!

[@bravexheart7]

Great jersey Shannon I got knights going back to back

[@maxwellshields6277]

Vancouver has a habit of having a nightmare start to the season before finding a half-stride in the middle and making a push at the end, but always falling short. People thought it was Green, we now know it wasn’t. We need a review a few games in to see if it’s happening again.

[@troubleondemand7703]

As per usual, the Canucks have a nasty opening schedule. Home against the Oilers, then a road trip against the Oilers, Flyers, Bolts, Panthers and Predators. They don't have their 2nd home game until the 3rd week of the season. If they can go .500 in their opening 6 games, I'd call that a win.

[@EinSofQuester]

@@troubleondemand7703 Looks like they did alright.

[@EdwinMaturski-cc9is]

Your video title has that right... Any team that plans on making the playoffs must play from very good to excellent throughout the entire season, due to the talent in the league and the different strengths of each team... It may take 100 points to even reach the Stanley Cup dance

[@viperswhip]

I actually laughed when you put Toronto in the Conference final, thanks.

[@kfnwuwbw9s]

I'm more likely to play in the NHL than for there to be a Stanley Cup Final between 2 Canadian teams within the next 20 years.

[@WinterWoolies]

I totally agree. Bettman will pull any string to not make that happen.

[@pythagorasabc]

​@@WinterWooliesif Bettman had any say in the teams that made it to the finals then Toronto would be there constantly as that is the largest money making scenario

[@WinterWoolies]

@pythagorasabc your so wrong. Toronto money will always be there. The follow blindly. It's new market money he is growing. American money is also worth a lot more. He is going to sell the next American team for over a billion. America will not watch mediocre. Case and point ... vegas had the most powerplays and least penalties last season. So not only are they the most disciplined but they also draw the most.... yeah okay

[@pythagorasabc]

@@WinterWoolies if you are so convinced hockey is rigged then why do you watch it, do you enjoy the fiction you believe it to be?

[@EinSofQuester]

We're gonna have a Canucks/Rangers final this year. So only one Canadian team. It will be reminiscent of the 1994 final, except that the Canucks will win in 6 games.

[@jonathanwieler8315]

I totally see the flames not just getting a wildcard but possibly third or second place in the pacific

[@Kjell777Iverson]

I don't know about that, but Huberdeau is definitely going to be better if he stays healthy, so they will likely improve.

[@tiffanynaidoo2003]

@@Kjell777Iverson They can play well enough to be a playoff team but Markstrom can't stop a beach ball

[@Kjell777Iverson]

@@tiffanynaidoo2003 Totally agree. Goaltending is playing such a huge role this year with every team. Vancouver could make the playoffs if they get the goaltending they need. The Oilers could go go all the way if they get theirs. There are a number of teams looking for bounce back seasons from their tenders. It could go either way for any of them.

[@tiffanynaidoo2003]

@@Kjell777Iverson Yeah it is difficult to predict. Markstrom can't keep letting these soft goals go in though. The Flames didn't even have that many bad games last year, lots of close ones. Agree with you about Vancouver and Edmonton. I think Seattle will have a tough time fending off teams trying to get in.

[@z3llmer]

I think the Pens are going to surprise a lot of people. I’d like to think the Canucks finally make the Playoffs again, but it’s Vancouver so who knows.

[@gregjonathan1609]

Agreed and I’m a caps fan

[@pirtatejoe]

I agree with you. I still think of all those playoff teams, the most suspect if Florida. They barely made it last year. Their defense is still suspect (gave up more goals last season than any other playoff team). They have Tkachuk, Barkov, and Reinhart but I wouldn't count on Verhaeghe to have another year like he did last year.

[@Carpy_On_Ice]

Pens are gonna surprise everyone how bad they are. Their goaltending is trash.

[@irubanomlas]

@@Carpy_On_Icethey have genuinely good scoring depth though and if they can squeak in they’ll be dangerous, we saw what happened with vegas last year

[@PiYodTong]

Dear Pens: Please don't "surprise everyone this year", we are so tired of hearing about you. Signed, Everyone else in the league.

[@bartsanders1553]

This is too much anticipation for preseason😂

[@TurdFerguson92]

I know its just preseason but the devils look like they may be scary good this year

[@Sanyogo]

Yes Turd yes they look very good........

[@GG-ng6zm]

people think their young guys will make impacts right away lol they’re still a few years from contending

[@NJDevilsF4N]

@@GG-ng6zm they finished 3rd in the league last year and their core getting 1 year older is a good thing (as opposed to teams with old cores getting worse with age). yes they have Luke Hughes trying to take the place of Severson + Graves but it's not like the team is really THAT young anymore

[@GG-ng6zm]

@@NJDevilsF4N they got shut down in the second round, lost 2 top 4 dmen, and have 2 unproven goalies. They’re still a few years out. It takes time to win.

[@EinSofQuester]

hahahahahaha LOL LOL LOL LOL

[@yelling3874]

I'm really hoping for that Dallas/Edmonton conference final, since that's the only feasible way I'll get to see an Oilers playoff game anytime soon

[@aaronwillets1172]

THG been wildin these past couple videos

[@jim_again2245]

The Hockey Guy is a man of integrity! Too many people change predictions willy nilly nowadays and then it’s not really a prediction eh

[@recneps8672]

Picking NJ to beat Carolina in a playoff series is bold. Only has ever happened once out of like 5 all time series and NJ was utterly dominated last year.

[@MrMooMoo088]

Nj vs Dal is probably the most exciting final imo. Yes Devils homer but I love Dallas offense.

[@andrewclarke8163]

Hard disagree. Playoffs are always more exciting when there's a Canadian team in the mix... Doesn't even matter which.

[@mitchkeychain5815]

@@andrewclarke8163I really wanna See an Oilers Dallas West final.

[@magicmatt1969]

Time for some Stars revenge...damn 👿 s

[@swatsoninchina]

As a Jets fan, that was a roller coaster at the end.

[@ginnyweatherbee7941]

I know the Sabres are a bit too young yet, so I would be very happy if Lindy Ruff got a Cup with the Devils

[@SabresGuy87]

They will make it, not worried

[@ginnyweatherbee7941]

@@SabresGuy87 I’m sure they will but I think it’ll be next year that they really take off.our goalie is pretty green and I don’t know if they’ve fixed the defensive issues. I’m hopeful though, I think the future is very bright for them.

[@milktrain5567]

Devils have the best FWD group by a mile, depth is ridiculously good, but the goalies and defense leak. Canes absolutely trashed them in 2023 playoffs with their defense, and they were really convincing while doing it. The NJD can't outscore the defensive collapses.

[@chrismdb5686]

​@@ginnyweatherbee7941Judging by what we've seen in the preseason so far the defensive play is the same as before. Still standing around watching on most plays rather than playing the puck or body.

[@meddyven]

But the Sabres will make the playoffs this season. The panthers are too beat up from their trip to the finals, and the Bolts are toast with their #1 goalie.

[@GemCardCollecting]

Let’s go devils!!!!

[@EinSofQuester]

Oops.

[@tylerpeerson]

Watched so many of your videos last season jealous of your cats. Now I have 2 cats, one of my lap right now watching this video. Go KRAKEN!

[@calwere]

"And if they win they lottery, everybody's gonna be completely even tempered about it." 😂

[@Andriig75]

This season is going to be great. I see Avs in the SCF. It's going to be tough, you have to get through (potentially) Dal, Veg, Edm, La.

[@tiffanynaidoo2003]

They only have to care about one of those Pacific teams

[@Rubberduckspucks]

The flyers are way better then anyone is giving them credit for, the kids are really good. It all there second year playing together I think Philly is going to be a surprise.

[@ZombiewilleatU]

I'll be honest and say that if the final is Oilers-Leafs I think I will be one of the few people not watching lmao

[@VGK2017]

As a biased VGK fan I say they repeat 😄 Would be tough of course but they have pretty much the same lineup with the exception or Reilly Smith who they traded to keep a younger Barbashev. Cotter or Dorofeyev will fill in the last roster spot. Edmonton, Dallas, LA and Colorado are legit contenders also. For a hot take In the East I’m gonna say Ottawa and Buffalo both get in

[@themikeygshow1271]

Stop jinxing us! -devils fan

[@mattmart1345]

That stuff is just in your head. It's not a real thing.

[@xaahd]

Looks good to me and I'm a 'hawks fan. Also, don't know why people tend to think you hate teams. I've appreciated how neutral you've been to Chicago given how 90% of other hockey channels use the Beach scandal as fuel to drag on us even though they really don't care about the guy - they just want a reason to hate lol. Keep up the good work!

[@nathanspreitzer6738]

I think Vegas repeats, but I could also se New Jersey, Carolina, or Edmonton winning

[@wojowestcoast]

hot take

[@Koersky]

@@wojowestcoastthose are all favourites are they not?

[@csharp48]

​​@@wojowestcoast I mean is it? Vegas is the exact same team, minus their oldest forward and they DOMINATED the playoffs. The only team to give them any pressure were the Oilers and Vegas looked like they had them pretty much solved (ESPECIALLY their defense) by the end of the series. Devils look primed to be legit, Carolina should be better this year if they aren't dealing with similar injury issues and again, the Oilers were the only team to even basically challenge Vegas.

[@kchizen100]

​@@csharp48new season tho. Probably not going to go exactly like last season for some reason.

[@theramplocal]

Avs will be tough this year, I'm a blues fan so it's pains me to day that 😉

[@WarReport.]

I love how he still sticks to the whiteboard :)

[@austinh6933]

Imagine luke Hughes becomes a top dman in the league this year. Devils gotta great future might be the best in the nhl

[@RandomPlaceHolderName]

Add Nemec to the mix as well. He was terrific in the AHL last year and has so far proven to be a unicorn just like scouts said.

[@gigatron2008]

I put a reminder in my calendar to rewatch this video in June

[@pierresoorden5975]

April

[@jamaldee2355]

Agreed allot of good teams this year!!!

[@Zedbie]

Shannon you silly handsome goose. You already predicted the Vegas back to back!

[@name-vi6fs]

I would be shocked if Dallas or New Jersey makes it to the Final. Dallas keeps aging, and the Devils lack the toughness needed in the postseason.

[@Electricalphil]

Yeah, he's way off with Dallas for sure. Not a chance. But I also think he's way off with the Canucks.

[@byst33]

Dallas keeps aging? The core is 26 and younger. Johnston just turned 20 and more young talent is soon to break through. Seguin and Benn aren't even core pieces at this point. Pavelski is the only aging player they actually rely on.

[@steph1433]

I'm just wondering how long can Pavelski contribute to the level he's accustomed.

[@num93ECBB]

Drop off this szn

[@Joe_Ma99]

Well with nearly a ppg in his last 3 season he hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. Even after coming off of a nasty concussion in playoffs he had 14 pts in 14 games with 9 goals. He might not be human.

[@KamekoTsuruga]

Cooley looks pretty legit.

[@VGKDean]

Nice jersey Shannon

[@curtisleitch4328]

Everybody's gonna be completely even tempered about it... 😂😂

[@barryjames73]

I have Carolina and Vegas in the Conference finals, with Carolina finally breaking through. Other than that I agree with you on most of these picks.

[@MapleDogs82]

I see the Metro being stronger than Atlantic, Atlantic will be tighter and harder to make the playoffs. That being said there are a lot of points Boston got last season that will be redistributed this season.

[@archiiebarrett]

I actually don't see Boston making the playoffs this year. I think that was a go-for-broke year last year. It just won't be the same team. I think we'll get a good idea on how they'll do if they struggle against teams like the Rangers. I think Detroit is gonna snag their spot.

[@thomasshortis5562]

​@@archiiebarretti disagree. Boston lost high end center talent in krejci and bergeron however their forward group and depth is still servicable and their goaltending and defense is the same as last year. Yes it sucks losing orlov but the bruins were already a lock for the playoffs by the time they traded for him. Ullmark and swayman are the best goalie tandom in the league and the bruins have good goalie depth in the minors if injuries happen. I think this time could win the atlantic again.

[@pyrielrising4338]

Predicting the future....always an intelligent pursuit. You should get a cape and a crystal ball. 😊

[@niteporter]

LFFFGGGG DEVILS. I need this. Been a while like staind said it be

[@mikemoore5263]

I'm a Red Wings fan, but besides them I always root for Canadian Teams, it just seems better somehow when they are doing well, haha

[@andrewwiggins9349]

Your kitty cat is adorable

[@DJ33970]

I actually agree with your Stanley Cup prediction, Rematch of the 2000 Final and the Devils win the cup again!

[@AproposOfWetSnow]

9:08 Let the rollercoaster of emotional reaction begin! How dare you Shannon

[@kdubz7680]

This will be interesting to come back to 😂

[@catmelvin997]

so I autodrafted one of my fantasy teams and not at all unpleased with the result. Wondering if picking your own players is akin to picking stocks

[@champ1061]

Breaking my heart with your Red Wings prediction. Also, you are probably correct.

[@jimmiller6704]

I play Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey every year, I never win but can't find how to register this year or if it's even going to be happening. Can any here give me an update?

[@nickholmes5610]

Big wild cards are Ottawa and Buffalo, With Vasi out for a while and Boston looking shakey at center I could see one or maybe both of them sneaking in to the playoffs

[@G0lden-lu6by]

Earlier I would have said no way the Devils make it that far, now I'm having some doubts. That top 9 is great, the D will make things happen with the puck and many teams have proved that you don't need a bonafide superstar goalie to win a cup, you just need a lot of decent ones and one of them has to get hot at the right time. Sure they are a young team and maybe a bit light on the defensive side of things, but if you can move the puck well under pressure and keep out of trouble, you don't need to be the best PK/goal front D team in the league to win. As a Finnish NHL enjoyer, as long as one of my countrymen gets to lift the Cup and brings it back for a visit with them, I'm okay with it.

[@jbp4.0]

I'm seeing plenty of predictions that have MTL in that bottom five again, but I think that overlooks the fact that they set records on consecutive seasons for player games lost to injury. i.e. they were better last year than they looked. I see them moving up to the next category if 3 things happen; massive reduction in injuries, in particular that Matheson and Monahan remain in the lineup, that Montembault takes over the #1 job and comes close to the expectations that he created with some fine performances last year in MTL and the World Championships (and he played well enough to take them out of the serious #1 overall race). Given meeting those 3 goals which can reduce GA by 30 to 40 goals, I see them in the playoff conversation until February. But I'll gladly welcome a top 3 draft selection if this doesn't go to plan.

[@LatinxGoyslop1488]

I had high hopes for the Penguins when the got Karlson but it hasn't looked good so far. Maybe Guentzel will help that, or maybe they just need a few more games.

[@stevencooke6451]

Still keeping Edmonton as a Western finalist? Planning the parade for downtown Vancouver? I didn't see that one coming.

[@AceMatthew25414]

Toronto doing anything in the playoffs? Been awhile since your last comedy video.

[@BiasedSportsFan]

My predictions: Atlantic Division: 1 Toronto - 114 points - y 2 Tampa Bay- 104 points - x 3 Buffalo - 101 points - x 4 Boston - 98 points - x 5 Florida - 93 points - x 6 Ottawa - 92 points 7 Detroit - 84 points 8 Montreal - 70 points Metro Division: 1 New Jersey - 116 points - z 2 Carolina - 113 points - x 3 Pittsburgh - 99 points - x 4 NYR - 90 points 5 NYI - 86 points 6 Columbus - 80 points 7 Washington - 76 points 8 Philadelphia - 56 points West: Pacific Division: 1 Vegas - 109 points - y 2 Edmonton - 104 points - x 3 Seattle - 103 points - x 4 LA Kings - 98 points - x 5 Calgary - 86 points 6 Vancouver - 81 points 7 Anaheim - 60 points 8 San Jose - 52 points Central Division: 1 Dallas - 113 points - z 2 Colorado - 105 points - x 3 Nashville - 102 points - x 4 Minnesota - 93 points - x 5 Winnipeg - 79 points 6 St Louis - 75 points 7 Arizona - 75 points 8 Chicago - 66 points NHL Playoffs: 1st Round: East: A1 Toronto vs A5 Florida - Toronto in 7 A2 Tampa Bay vs A3 Buffalo - Buffalo in 7 M1 New Jersey vs A4 Boston - New Jersey in 6 M2 Carolina vs M3 Pittsburgh - Carolina in 6 West: P1 Vegas vs P4 LA Kings - Vegas in 7 P2 Edmonton vs P3 Seattle - Edmonton in 6 C1 Dallas vs C4 Minnesota - Dallas in 4 C2 Colorado vs C3 Nashville - Colorado in 5 2nd Round: East: A1 Toronto vs A3 Buffalo - Toronto in 5 M1 New Jersey vs M2 Carolina - Carolina in 6 West: P1 Vegas vs P2 Edmonton - Edmonton in 7 C1 Dallas vs C3 Colorado - Dallas in 6 3rd Round: East: A1 Toronto vs M2 Carolina - Carolina in 6 West: C1 Dallas vs P2 Edmonton - Dallas in 7 SCF: C1 Dallas vs M2 Carolina - Dallas in 6 Champions: Dallas Stars Conn Smythe Winner: Roope Hintz

[@AMan_629]

That’s funny. I had Dallas beating NJ in the cup as my prediction for this year 😅

[@brendanwoerner3352]

As a longtime NJ Devils fan that remember watching 2009-10 when no one gave credit to the Devils as we were one of the worst record teams in NHL. Fitzgerald has been building a dynasty Powerhouse built in Cap Control. Love seeing the credit and all players buying in. It should be a great season. LGD!!!

[@LitlBUBS]

From another long time Devils fan, you are thinking of 2010-11 where they had that terrible year when John Maclean was head coach. 09-10 was the year that they aquired Kovy at the deadline and then took a dump in round 1.

[@brendanwoerner3352]

@@LitlBUBSlol that’s the year I meant lol thank you!!!

[@archiiebarrett]

We feel like a totally different team now. And it's for the better. Even the atmosphere of the organization and fan base has good vibes.

[@beattywhite11]

We have this conversation with Toronto every year. Bertuzz is not enough to push them over the hump.

[@matthewfranke9988]

That Devils prediction aged well 😬

[@casstippit766]

I think the Blues have a better shot at sneaking in than people are giving them. They had a god awful year last season but if Vrana and Blais play a full szn like they did after coming here and our D can at least show up a little we aren’t a terrible team. Guys just need to have a better work ethic and play both ways.

[@Atomos89]

Not to mention the addition of Hayes, Sundqvist, and a new D-coach. 🤞

[@casstippit766]

@@Atomos89 so true

[@toddcampbell5603]

I think StL lost some bad attitudes at the deadline last year. I think they'll play a team game again and be very hard to play against. They'll make the playoff cut and could go deep!

[@Toxic_Male_Minimalist]

Feels like the Blues need a big physical D-man. Otherwise. Im excited to watch this team - especially the top line of Kyrou, Thomas & Buchnevich

[@masonv6766]

The biggest part is staying healthy

[@Mylife4hockey]

Does new jersey have good goaltenders? Or is it more speculating on there young guy?

[@goodmedicineway4ABQ]

Seems like the Penguins have really geared up to make a serious run. If they don't make the playoffs their fanbase will be livid.

[@TheRecklessMetalhead]

"Erik Karlsson destroyed us!" -Penguins fans when the 2024 regular season ends.🤣

[@DJWillyGMPLS]

After last year, until they fix the officiating it doesn’t matter

[@dvan7117]

There seems to be a lot of ingoring Vegas as returning to the finals. I'm definitely not of fan of Vegas, but they're too good too dismiss so easily. Vegas and Jersey. Dallas looks good on paper, but I see them beating Vegas. Jersey beats Toronto in the ECF.

[@rileywashere91]

They’re doing it again this year. Lol it’s ok. We Vegas fans loved watching the backpedals all playoffs. We ain’t losing to Dallas tho.

[@fatboy1333]

They got a MIRACLE run out of their goaltending last year, and lost a huge part of ther Core in reilly smith. That plus the short summer leads to a Round 2 exit, if they even get that far.

[@rileywashere91]

@@fatboy1333 miracle run? Adin and Logan play more than well enough to not let in as many goals as we score, Reilly Smith, while a great and beloved player didn’t really produce what we needed given his contract. And now we have Barba for the whole year, who, not only produced more than smith but brought up the production of both Marchy AND Eichel. Idk if you watched our game against the kings, but both Marchy and Eichs had 4 and 5 points. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@TheRecklessMetalhead]

I got the Golden Knights against either the Devils or the Hurricanes in the Finals. Yes, they won last season, and repeating is hard but they are the same team. The Stars would be up there so let's go for a rematch in the playoffs again (3rd time since 2020). I don't see the Oilers making the trip to the Finals because of their issues with goaltending and defense so yeah, they need work. The Avalanche would make it depend on injuries, and the same goes for the Lightning. The Maple Leafs can be anything so yeah, no Finals trip for them, in my opinion. The Wild is interesting as equal; not tough or poor but they are what they are. About the Bruins and the Panthers, I am extremely unsure if they will succeed. The Penguins might either make or miss the playoffs with the signing of Eril Karlsson and that will be interesting to see. The Kraken could be a surprise again like last season. The McLellen-led Kings will fail again and possibly be Todd McLellen's last season with the team. While I know very little about the Sabres and the Senators, both could make a push for the playoffs if they are successful. The Predators, with the exception of good goaltending and solid defense, their offense need work and they wouldn't put for the wild card spot. If they have a good forward, they would be unstoppable. The Red Wings with the same plan season after season so it's a miss for the playoffs. The Flames, under a new head coach, will be interesting to see them succeed or fail so I can't complain. The Capitals, lol, and their core is kind of off, and Prime Ovechkin is still doing his thing. The Blues, lol, they won't make it. The Flyers are seemingly decent, with the exception of Carter Hart, but a playoff spot for them is possible so let's see what they do. The Jets, lol, I would bet on them since they're dirty. The Canucks, lolol. The Blackhawks could be entertaining with some new players like Connor Bedard, Corey Perry, and Taylor Hall, but their defense is still bad as well as goaltending so that's a bottom 10 team for me. The Coyotes, lolol. The Sharks could be bad like last year and the defense is atrocious but I think the roster can change them a little and I'd be surprised if they win 20-25 games again. At least, they are entertaining but in the worst way. With the arrival of Adam Fantilli, the Blue Jackets will be a bottom 5 team again. Ducks gonna Ducks, and they will be bad again this season. Of course, players like Leo Carlsson, Trevor Zegras, and John Gibson can't carry the Ducks by themselves. What am I missing about the Islanders and the Canadians?

[@SleepWalker88]

Pretty reasonable takes as usual. Though, I feel like the VERY potential drop offs for Boston and Tampa aren’t spoken about enough. Cap woes are catching up with Tampa- they’re losing a big piece every year and having to find cheap replacements. Plus no Vasy for a while to start the season. Boston lost their top two centers. Gonna be a bad dip in production there plus both of those centers were astounding 2-way guys. Gonna be some major defensive setbacks too. Ullmark and Swayman are gonna be way more exposed.

[@mattbcameron]

They still have a top defensive core 4, and a pretty solid goalie tandem, even if the forwards find ther footing They should be ok. Perhaps they shell into more of a Julien style again.. they always adapt with what they got.

[@tendergoaltender]

I agree with you and think that Vancouver will not make the playoffs. If that is the case what happens at the trade deadline/what happens to contract talks with EP40?

[@stevewilson5714]

Well the finals prediction aged half well haha.

[@plattjord1701]

It would be a fun video. Show your predictions and talk about them now when you know the who made the playoffs. Could be a fun video every year.